Church of England refuses call for gluten-free wafers and non-alcoholic wine

C of E canon law says the bread should be of the ‘best and purest wheat flour’, and wine ‘the fermented juice of the grape’. Photograph: Paul Brown/Alamy

It’s the ancient ritual that unites millions of Christians in faith – but the Church of England is facing accusations that holy communion excludes non-drinkers or worshippers with dietary intolerances.

C of E guidance determines the type of bread and wine that can be consecrated as part of the Eucharist ritual, which symbolises Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, death and resurrection and commemorates the Last Supper.