Church of England Denies Reports of Ban on ‘Gluten-Free’ Bread and ‘Alcohol-Free’ Wine for Communion

Contrary to recent reports following a question from a member of the General Synod, the Church of England does not ban ‘gluten-free’ wafers or ‘non-alcoholic’ wine during Communion, according to an official statement. 

It adds that Anglican churches across the country regularly offer gluten-free bread or non-alcoholic wine during Holy Communion.

Also, many professional church suppliers have long provided wine or bread that may contain minimal traces of alcohol or gluten that can be legally considered alcohol-free or gluten-free.

The church's press service also publishes a list of permitted products.

‘We hope that this will help clarify and avoid further confusion!’ the church said.

Earlier, a number of reputable media outlets reported that the Church of England had allegedly ruled that non-alcoholic wine and gluten-free bread should not be consumed during Holy Communion.

The instruction states that bread should be made from wheat flour, and wine should be fermented grape juice for consecration, the Independent writes.

The Holy Communion, or Eucharist, is the main sacrament in the Christian faith, involving the offering of bread and wine to the congregation, symbolising the body and blood of Christ.

The Church of England is facing accusations that holy communion excludes teetotallers or gluten-intolerant worshippers.

Although wheat flour can be processed to reduce gluten and alcohol can be removed after fermentation, trace amounts will always remain. According to media reports, the Church has allegedly explicitly banned substitutes such as rice or potato flour, while maintaining the traditional composition of the sacrament.