Several churches in South Carolina are now offering their parishioners a gluten-free option of the Holy Eucharist.
Why the extra option?
Church officials say it’s for members who have celiac disease or a sensitivity to gluten, according to The Post and Courier.
“It’s an easy enough gesture to do to extend a hand of welcome,” Rev. Adam J. Shoemaker, a rector at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, told the publication.
To avoid any confusion, the two kinds of wafers (regular and gluten-free) are kept on separate plates.
“It compels us to consider every individual. Some may hear the numbers and say ’Gosh, it’s a small amount of people, why bother doing it,” Shoemaker said. “I think it’s worth the small effort.”
This isn’t the first time where a church is adjusting to accommodate the needs of its parishioners.
The Rev. Dr. Robert Kennedy, who pastors St. Peter’s AME Church in North Charleston, told The Post and Courier that his church has offered grape juice as an option during Communion.
They also recently started offering water to those who have diabetes.
“We look at the symbolism,” Kennedy said.