Many churches engage in challenging discussions about children and Holy Communion. The question often asked is: 'Should we allow them to receive?', while the more pertinent question might be: 'What right do we have to deny them?'

In the first half of this book Diana Murrie and Steve Pearce carefully and thoughtfully set out the background to the huge strides taken in this important area. They present many convincing reasons for the admission of children to Holy Communion, based on the actual experiences of churches, citing many stories of benefits to children and congregations.

The second section has practical, tested material that has proved an invaluable aid for use with children as they prepare to take this important step in their Christian life.

Diana Murrie is the National Children's Officer for the Church of England's Board of Education. Via the Network of Diocesan Children's Advisers, she offers support, training and resources to clergy and laity in all aspects of work with children in the parish.

Steve Pearce is Mission Education Secretary (Children) for the Methodist Church.

'Helping children to know more about Holy Communion and preparing them to receive, requires a creative approach to nurture and appropriate resources.'

From the Foreword by Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury