Alaska Prisons Reinstate Altar Wine: A Win for Religious Freedom

In a policy reversal, the Alaska Department of Corrections (DOC) has reinstated the use of altar wine in prison Masses.

This move comes in the wake of controversy surrounding an earlier rule that banned the sacramental wine, impeding traditional Catholic worship in Alaska’s correctional facilities.

The contentious rule came into effect on June 6, 2023, sparking outrage for its encroachment on religious freedoms. It not only banned altar wine, but also proposed using a non-alcoholic alternative – an option that contradicts Canon Law that states grape juice cannot substitute wine in Eucharistic celebrations.

According to the Pillar, realizing the unforeseen impact, the DOC retracted the disputed regulation on July 14. A representative from the DOC underscored the their dedication to balance security concerns while honoring the religious rights of prisoners.

In the past, despite no explicit authorization for the use of altar wine, inmates regularly participated in Masses. This raised questions regarding whether individual prisons were implicitly allowing this or if Masses were occurring without formal approval. Records indicate a steady turnout at weekly Mass in several prisons over time.

Under Canon law, wine for the Eucharist must be pure, naturally derived from grapes.

Pray for religious freedom!

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