Overview

• A new Accessible Liturgy Working Group is exploring theological, liturgical and legal pathways to accommodate communicants who cannot consume any gluten or alcohol.
• Church officials deem reduced-gluten bread and reduced-alcohol wine valid for consecration under current canon rules, pending final guidelines.
• In February the General Synod reaffirmed wheat flour bread and fermented grape wine as the only consecrable elements, prompting calls for clearer inclusion measures.
• The Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Rev Dr Michael Ipgrave, has assured that those unable to physically partake in the elements are fully included by faith.
• Rising coeliac diagnoses and growing teetotalism among younger worshippers are intensifying calls for fully trace-free communion options.