Debunking the Myth: Church of England’s Stance on Non-Alcoholic Wine for Communion

As with other Christian denominations, a significant sacrament in the Church of England (C of E) is the consumption of consecrated wine and bread during Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist. This leads to a question: what happens if a member of the C of E cannot consume wine or gluten?

Recently, this topic was raised once more among C of E leaders amid discussions surrounding non-alcoholic wine. During the 2025 General Synod at Church House in London, Rev. Canon Alice Kemp presented the matter, asking if the church could amend Canon B17 to allow for gluten-free and alcohol-free elements in the Eucharist.

Dr. Michael Ipgrave, the Bishop of Lichfield, responded that altering church law to permit these changes would contradict the current C of E doctrine, which insists that the host be comprised of the "best and purest wheat flour." A minuscule amount of gluten is deemed necessary, ruling out alternatives like rice or potato flour. Furthermore, the wine must be "fermented juice of the grape," meaning it must contain at least a little alcohol.

C of E parishioners can still partake in communion by consuming either the bread or the wine alone, which is referred to as "communion under one kind." Even if neither element is consumed, parishioners are still considered partakers of the sacrament through faith.

Initially, various media outlets misreported that the C of E had outright banned non-alcoholic and gluten-free options for communion. However, as the Synod’s proceedings unfolded, the Church of England released a statement clarifying this interpretation. It emphasized that the church is not prohibiting gluten-free wafers or non-alcoholic wine during communion. Many ecclesiastical suppliers provide options that may contain only trace amounts of alcohol or gluten, classified as acceptable under certain guidelines.

Ipgrave later expressed regret for his previous response not clearly addressing how the terms “gluten-free” and “non-alcoholic” are commonly understood and may have led to misunderstandings. He acknowledged that numerous C of E churches across the nation frequently offer gluten-free bread and non-alcoholic wine at Holy Communion.

While discussions continue about these developments, it is evident that the Church of England aims to be inclusive while maintaining its traditional practices.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!