This study is the first to focus in depth on communion frequency in the Reformed tradition. It concludes that, although the sixteenth century Reformers desired more frequent communion, this was balanced by their desire to create mature Christian communities. So, preachers and church leaders stressed the priority of moral conduct, and the importance of understanding what the eucharist meant for Protestants. It analyses sources from the very beginnings of this tradition in 16th Zürich and Geneva, and follows its trajectories through England and Scotland all the way down to 19th century USA. Ultimately, it is hoped that understanding the polemics of the past will help churches today to celebrate the sacrament of unity more meaningfully.weiterlesen