Protestant worshippers are encouraged to discuss their beliefs and dietary situation directly with their pastor for receiving Holy Communion without compromising their health. Ener-G Foods offers a gluten-free and soy free Communion wafer.

Ener-G Foods

1-800-331-5222

Roman Catholics with celiac disease are presented with the following choices for participation in Holy Communion.

• Wine only eliminates the exposure to wheat so is the most risk free option
• A “low–gluten” wheat host is available from the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. This wafer contains a small amount wheat and may not be appropriate for all those with celiac disease.

Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

1–800–223–2772

Cross contamination

The potential of cross contamination of any low gluten or no gluten wafer with wheat hosts is very high.  Consider a Roman Catholic item called a pyx (container usually used to hold the Consecrated Host when taking it to the sick) which can be consecrated as one solution.

Visit these links for more information:

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops     

Celiac Disease and the Eucharistic Communion by Anne Bamberg  The Jurist 2001

Congregation letter example