The Church of England has decreed that alcohol-free wine will not be permissible for Holy Communion, as this practice is contrary to ecclesiastical law. Church leaders were approached to consider incorporating alternatives, such as alcohol-free wine and gluten-free bread, during the Eucharist. However, they concluded that using alcohol-free wine would nullify the essential fermentation process, thus breaching Church law.
Additionally, gluten-free alternatives like rice flour, potato flour, or tapioca flour for the wafers were also ruled out. The Rt Rev Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield and chairman of the Church’s Liturgical Commission, reaffirmed the Church’s stance, emphasizing that the elements used in Holy Communion must consist of wheat-based bread and the fermented juice of grapes. He pointed out that communion in a single kind should not be considered exclusion but rather full participation in the sacrament, which can apply in special circumstances, such as with children or the sick.
Holy Communion holds great significance in Christian practice. It memorializes Jesus’ death and resurrection through the sharing of bread and wine, symbolizing his body and blood. Canon law is explicit that the bread should be made from the "best and purest wheat flour" and the wine must be the fermented juice of grapes. Nevertheless, some congregants struggle with gluten and alcohol, making participation in this sacramental rite difficult.
During a recent five-day session of the Church’s General Synod in London, the Rev Canon Alice Kemp requested that the Church leaders legally permit gluten-free and alcohol-free elements at the Eucharist to prevent unjust exclusion of certain congregants. However, the leaders reiterated that only bread made from wheat flour and fermented grape juice can be utilized during the sacrament. The Legal Advisory Commission clarified that while some alcohol could be extracted from wine, it must retain some alcoholic content to be considered valid. Furthermore, while low-gluten wafers may be allowed, any alternatives made from rice or other non-wheat ingredients will not be accepted.
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