In the Catholic Church, according to Pope Francis, “Hosts that are completely gluten-free are invalid matter for the celebration of the Eucharist. Low-gluten hosts (partially gluten-free) are valid matter, provided they contain a sufficient amount of gluten to obtain the confection of bread without the addition of foreign materials and without the use of procedures that would alter the nature of bread.”

One of the most important parts of the Mass is the Liturgy of the Eucharist. During the Act of Communion, Catholics receive Jesus sacramentally through bread and wine, as a way to replicate the Last Supper.

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, celiac disease “is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide.” Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that is caused by the consumption of gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, and barley. The Celiac Disease Foundation also states, “untreated celiac disease can lead to the development of other autoimmune disorders like Type I diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS), and many other conditions, including dermatitis herpetiformis (an itchy skin rash), anemia, osteoporosis, infertility and miscarriage, neurological conditions like epilepsy and migraines, short stature, heart disease and intestinal cancers.”

In addition to celiac disease, many people suffer from non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This is when consuming gluten causes intense stomach pain along with other serious mental and physical symptoms.

In some cases, people suffer from wheat allergies and intolerances where ingesting wheat can cause life threatening anaphylaxis, according to the Mayo Clinic.

At the moment, the Catholic Church offers two alternatives for celiac and NCGS sufferers: low-gluten hosts, and wine from a separate cup to avoid cross-contamination of gluten. For many, these options are not a solution. Low-gluten hosts still contain gluten, which can be damaging to people unable to tolerate gluten or wheat. Drinking from a shared cup of wine can be detrimental to anyone with a serious allergy due to the potential for cross-contamination. In addition, many people do not drink any wine due to medical conditions, pregnancy, intolerances and allergies to wine, and personal view points on alcohol consumption.

“Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.” 1 Corinthians 3:16-17. Purposely ingesting substances that are harmful to your body is against God’s will. Catholics with celiac disease are forced to choose between their health and receiving the Eucharist.

The Act of Communion is an important part of the Catholic Mass and should be made available to all Catholics. Celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity are not personal decisions. I believe that the Catholic Church should accept a gluten free Eucharist as an option for parishioners who need it.

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” Luke 4:4