The Church of England has confirmed that its established guidelines for the elements of the Eucharist will remain unchanged despite calls from some clergy and congregants for the inclusion of gluten-free wafers and non-alcoholic wine.

Under current canon law, the bread used in holy communion is required to be made from the best and purest wheat flour that is conveniently available, and the wine must be the fermented juice of the grape, deemed good and wholesome.

Ahead of the General Synod meeting in London, scheduled to last five days from Monday, the Rev Canon Alice Kemp raised the issue, asking if the legal use of gluten-free and alcohol-free elements could be considered to address concerns of exclusion among those with dietary intolerances or restrictions.

Kemp noted that some priests and congregants who are unable to consume gluten or alcohol are forced to receive only one element or may even be precluded from receiving both.

In response, Michael Ipgrave, the Bishop of Lichfield and Chair of the Church’s Liturgical Commission, reiterated that changing the rules would overturn established positions on what constitutes bread and wine for the Eucharist.

Ipgrave stated that receiving holy communion in one kind, as is often practised for the sick or for children, is considered full participation in the sacrament.

He further noted that even those unable to physically consume both elements are assured of partaking by faith in the body and blood of Christ.

The synod maintains that although the current legal position may pose challenges for individuals with coeliac disease or those abstaining from alcohol, the existing guidelines provide adequate accommodation.

It has been clarified that using non-alcoholic wine would be contrary to Church law because the process of fermentation, which is essential to producing wine, would be nullified.

Likewise, alternative wafers made from ingredients such as rice, potato flour, or tapioca cannot be considered bread due to the absence of wheat, although wheat-based bread processed to reduce gluten levels is acceptable.

During the Eucharist, worshippers who cannot consume the traditional elements may choose to receive a blessing instead.

The Church's approach reflects its longstanding liturgical practices, while previous temporary measures, such as the use of individual cups during the Covid pandemic, demonstrate its capacity to adapt under specific circumstances.