The Church of England (CofE) has reaffirmed that gluten-free bread and non-alcoholic wine cannot be used as substitutes for communion. This decision follows requests from clergy to make the sacrament more accessible. According to the CofE’s leadership, the bread used in communion must be made from wheat flour, and the wine must be fermented grape juice to be validly consecrated. While wheat flour can be processed to remove most gluten and alcohol can be extracted after fermentation, fully gluten-free or alcohol-free alternatives remain prohibited.
Call to End “Injustice” Rejected
The announcement came in response to a request from Rev. Canon Alice Kemp, who urged church leaders to reconsider the rules. She argued that requiring wheat-based bread and alcoholic wine excludes priests and congregants with dietary restrictions. Those unable to consume gluten or alcohol must receive communion in only one form—either bread or wine—or may be excluded altogether.
Bishop Michael Ipgrave, chair of the church’s liturgical commission, defended the restrictions, emphasizing two core theological principles. First, the church has historically required wheat bread and fermented grape juice for communion. Second, receiving only one element—bread or wine—is still considered full participation in the sacrament. He reassured believers unable to consume either element that they are still spiritually partaking in communion.
Broader Theological and Religious Context
The CofE’s stance aligns with Roman Catholic doctrine, which also mandates wheat-based bread and fermented grape wine for communion. In 2017, the Vatican explicitly banned gluten-free bread, though it permits using genetically modified wheat. Catholic leaders argue that bread made from other grains does not constitute valid material for the Eucharist.
Other Christian denominations, such as Lutherans, also maintain traditional rules about communion elements, emphasizing their symbolic and sacramental significance. However, some Protestant groups allow flexibility, using non-alcoholic wine or gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary needs.
Synod Takes Place Amid Church Scandals
The General Synod in London this week marks the first major church meeting since the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in November 2024. His resignation followed revelations that he failed to report a serial abuser at Christian summer camps. The same inquiry has led to further investigations of CofE officials over similar safeguarding failures.
Acting in Welby’s place, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell will deliver the opening address. However, Cottrell himself has faced calls to resign over the church’s handling of abuse allegations. Public trust in the CofE has declined sharply, with a recent YouGov poll showing its favorability rating dropping to 25%, while unfavorable views have risen to 49%.
Ongoing Debate Over Church Tradition and Inclusion
Supporters of the CofE’s decision argue that maintaining traditional communion elements preserves theological integrity. They emphasize that partial participation is still considered full communion in Christian doctrine.
However, critics believe the policy alienates believers with dietary restrictions, limiting their full participation in worship. Calls for reform will likely continue as the church faces declining trust and attendance.
Written answer on use of non-alcoholic wine at the eucharist ‘misinterpreted’ says bishop:
Church of England’s stance on gluten-free communion bread clarified after media flurry
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Church of England bans non-alcoholic wine, gluten-free bread from communion: ‘injustice’
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