The Church of England has reaffirmed its stance on Holy Communion, ruling that only wheat-based bread and fermented grape juice can be used in the sacrament, rejecting calls for gluten-free bread and non-alcoholic wine as substitutes.
Ahead of its General Synod meeting, the Church’s governing body clarified that while those unable to consume gluten or alcohol for health reasons are allowed to receive only one element, full participation in the sacrament is still recognised.
This decision has sparked debate, with some members calling the restriction an “injustice” for individuals with coeliac disease or alcohol dependency.
Synod member Canon Alice Kemp argued that priests and congregants with dietary restrictions are being excluded from fully partaking in Communion.
However, the Rt Rev Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield and chairman of the Liturgical Commission, defended the ruling, stating that it upholds long-standing Church doctrine.
Read Also: ACDT pushes for Ghana Card to double as ATM card
He emphasised that receiving Communion in one kind—either the bread or the wine—does not constitute exclusion, as it is a common practice for the sick and children.
The ruling remains legally binding, meaning individuals with medical conditions must adhere to it.
The NHS estimates that at least one in 100 people in the UK have coeliac disease, while more than 600,000 adults were recorded as alcohol-dependent between 2019 and 2020.
The decision comes as the General Synod convenes for five days of discussions, including debates on abuse scandals that have rocked the Church.
The Archbishop of York, the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, is set to deliver the opening address amid growing scrutiny over his handling of past safeguarding cases.
