[Magdalen] National TEC policy on Alchol in the Church

[Ann Markle]

You make good points, Grace.

Ann

The Rev. Ann Markle
Buffalo, NY
ann.markle at aya.yale.edu
blog:  www.onewildandpreciouslife.typepad.com

On Thu, Feb 5, 2015 at 8:04 AM, Grace Cangialosi <gracecan at gmail.com> wrote:

> Thanks, Ann. I was just interested in your thinking about it. I do
> understand that we're all adults and can decide whether or not to drink. I
> also know that for alcoholics, being in a situation where alcohol is being
> served can be extremely difficult. In fact, I know that rehab programs
> recommend that folks in recovery try to avoid those situations, at least in
> the early stages of recovery.  They can certainly have some control over
> that by avoiding bars, by socializing at AA events, etc., but do we want
> church and church events to be places they need to avoid?
>
> I had the occasion to concelebrate with Morton Kelsey a couple of times at
> a conference, and he had made a point of using non-alcoholic wine. When we
> talked about it, he said that was the only thing he would use for
> Communion, and some alcoholics refused even that, saying that it tasted too
> much like regular wine and awakened their craving. He thought we should
> simply use grape juice.
>
> I guess maybe it could be considered in the same light as Paul's
> injunctions in last week's reading about eating meat sacrificed to idols.
> If it proves a stumbling block to others, don't do it.
>
> I don't see anything wrong with making churches and their events
> alcohol-free zones. And no, I'm not saying we need to use grape juice...
>