Church of England Upholds Traditional Elements in Holy Communion

The Church of England has issued new guidance reaffirming that only wheat flour bread and fermented grape juice wine can be used during Holy Communion. This ruling, detailed in documents released ahead of the Church’s General Synod in early 2025, acknowledges the difficulties faced by individuals with dietary restrictions.

The Importance of Traditional Elements

Holy Communion, a central sacrament in Christian faith, symbolizes the body and blood of Christ. According to the Church’s guidelines, the bread must be made from wheat flour and the wine from fermented grape juice to be consecrated. This decision maintains the traditional composition of the sacrament, although it introduces challenges for those with specific dietary needs.

While wheat flour can be processed to reduce gluten and alcohol can be removed after fermentation, minute amounts will still remain present. The Church explicitly forbids the use of substitutes like rice or potato flour, adhering strictly to the traditional elements.

Criticisms and Considerations

The Church’s stance has faced criticism from some Synod members. Reverend Canon Alice Kemp challenged the ruling, asking if accommodations could be made to include gluten-free and alcohol-free alternatives in Holy Communion. She highlighted the injustice of excluding individuals who cannot consume gluten or alcohol.

Kemp pointed out that both priests and congregants with dietary restrictions may face limitations in participating fully in the sacrament. Many are forced to receive only one element or may be entirely prohibited from taking both if they cannot consume both gluten and alcohol.

The Church’s Response

Michael Ipgrave, the Bishop of Lichfield and chairman of the Church’s Liturgical Commission, defended the Church’s position. He argued that changing these elements would require overturning two established principles within the Church of England.

First, the Church maintains that bread made from wheat and fermented grape juice wine are the essential elements for consecration in Holy Communion. Second, receiving the sacrament in one kind due to necessity is not considered an exclusion but full participation, akin to practices used during the communion of the sick or with children.

Bishop Ipgrave further emphasized that even those physically unable to receive the sacrament are spiritually partakers through faith.

Broader Implications

The ruling has significant implications for inclusivity in church practices. While the Church acknowledges the hardship faced by those with dietary restrictions, its stance remains firm on maintaining traditional elements. This decision leaves many wondering about potential future adjustments to accommodate a wider range of believers.

The Church’s position on Holy Communion reflects a broader debate within Christian denominations about balancing adherence to traditional rituals with inclusivity and accessibility.

Community Response

The community response to this ruling has been mixed. Some see it as a respectful preservation of liturgical tradition, while others feel the Church is neglecting the needs of its diverse membership. The issue of inclusivity in worship practices continues to be a topic of discussion within the Church and among broader religious communities.

Final Thoughts

The Church of England’s decision to uphold the use of traditional elements in Holy Communion highlights the ongoing tension between preserving liturgical practices and accommodating the diverse needs of its members. While the Church addresses the challenges faced by those with dietary restrictions, its current stance remains focused on maintaining tradition.

As discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether the Church will explore alternative solutions to make communion practices more inclusive without altering long-standing traditions.

We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this issue. Your perspectives can contribute to a richer understanding of these complex challenges.