No Change on the Eucharist

http://geoconger.wordpress.com/2008/03/14/no-change-on-the-eucharist-cen-31408-p-7/1264/

[George Conger] 20 Mar 2008--There should be no change to the definition of “bread and wine” in the rubrics of the Eucharist a task force created by the Anglican Consultative Council’s Inter-Anglican Liturgical Committee has recommended. However, the use of gluten-free bread or other food staples as local exceptions should not be discouraged the report entitled “Eucharistic Food and Drink” said.

Prepared by a committee led by the ACC’s liturgical officer, the Rev. Paul Gibson of Canada, the “Eucharistic Food and Drink” report surveyed the provinces of the Anglican Communion asking whether the “use of elements other than wheat bread and fermented grape wine in the celebration of the Holy Communion” was in use.

The rubrics of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer allow an ambiguity in the form the host may take stating it “shall suffice that the Bread be such as is usual to be eaten; but the best and purest Wheat Bread that conveniently may be gotten.”

Ten provinces reported that some substitution of wheat bread and fermented grape wine was in place, either in formal practice or unofficial custom.

In Western countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US, the use of rice-cakes to accommodate the needs of those suffering from gluten allergies, and grape juice for children or alcoholics was unofficially allowed.