A communion rail is a low barrier, usually made of wood, metal, or stone, that separates the sanctuary (the area around the altar) from the nave (the main area of the church where the congregation sits).
Its purpose is primarily to:
* Provide a designated place for communicants (people receiving communion) to kneel and receive the Eucharist (the bread and wine representing the body and blood of Christ). Kneeling is a posture of reverence and humility, and the rail provides a stable place to kneel while receiving communion.
* Define the sacred space of the sanctuary. The rail visually marks the boundary between the area reserved for clergy and liturgical actions and the space for the general congregation.
* Aid in the orderly distribution of communion. It helps to create a flow and order as people come forward to receive the sacrament.
Variations and Usage:
* Different denominations and traditions may have different practices regarding the communion rail. Some denominations always use a rail, while others prefer to have communicants stand to receive communion.
* Some churches may have removed their communion rails, often to create a more open and accessible space, or to signify a different understanding of the relationship between clergy and laity. In these cases, communion may be distributed in the aisles or at stations within the nave.
* The term "altar rail" is sometimes used interchangeably with "communion rail."
In summary, the communion rail is a functional and symbolic element in many churches, providing a designated and reverent space for receiving communion and visually marking the boundary of the sanctuary.