SOP_NUMBER: 106.10
TITLE: Communion Wine
REFERENCE_CODE: VA01-0010
DIVISION: Inmate Services Division (Chaplaincy)
TOPIC_AREA: 106 Policy-Chaplaincy
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2022-03-01
WORD_COUNT: 595
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/106461
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/106.10/

SUMMARY:
This policy allows communion services to be held in GDC facilities and provides procedures for the controlled use of wine in religious ceremonies for denominations that require it (Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran). The policy treats communion wine as a controlled substance and requires strict protocols to prevent substance abuse, including limiting amounts to one to two ounces per service and using specific administration methods such as the intinction method (dipping bread in wine).

KEY_TOPICS: communion wine, religious services, chaplaincy, controlled substances, alcohol in facilities, intinction method, sacramental wine, Eucharist, religious accommodations, substance abuse prevention, facility chaplain

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|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Communion Wine|**Policy Name:**Communion Wine|**Policy Name:**Communion Wine|
|**Policy Number:** 106.10|**Effective Date:** 03/01/2022|**Page Number:** 1 of 3|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:** <br>Inmate Services Division<br>(Chaplaincy)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|


**I.** **Introduction and Summary:**





It is the policy of the Georgia Department of Corrections to allow communion
services to be held in the facility setting. For specific denominations and faiths i.e.,
Roman Catholic, Episcopal and Lutheran Churches, wine may be required for the
communion service. Since alcohol is generally a controlled substance and not
allowed in the facility setting, procedures provide guidance to Chaplaincy Services
and other facility staff regarding the control of alcohol/Communion Wine.

**II.** **Authority:**

A. United States Constitution, First and Fourteenth Amendments;

B. Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), 42 U.S.C.

2000cc-1(a); and

C. Americans with Disabilities Act.

**III.** **Definitions:**

A. **Communion Wine**    - Wine obtained from grapes and intended for use in

celebration of the Eucharist (also referred to as the Lord's Supper or Holy
Communion, among other names). It is usually consumed after sacramental
bread.

B. **Intinction Method**     - The action of dipping the bread in the wine at a Eucharist

so that a communicant receives both together.

**IV.** **Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:**

A. Communion Wine is to be treated as a controlled substance. In the facility

setting, discretion and caution should be exercised regarding the use of alcohol in
the communion service.

B. To minimize substance abuse, i.e., those offenders who have problems with

alcohol, wine given to the offender should be minimal. Therefore, if wine is


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Communion Wine|**Policy Name:**Communion Wine|**Policy Name:**Communion Wine|
|**Policy Number:** 106.10|**Effective Date:** 03/01/2022|**Page Number:**2 of 3|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:** <br>Inmate Services Division<br>(Chaplaincy)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



required doctrinally by the faith group, then the Intinction Method will be
observed.

C. In the event that the Chaplain has been unable to negotiate a variance (the

substitution of a nonalcoholic alternative, e.g., grape juice), the facility Chaplain
may purchase wine and transport it into the facility, with the advance approval of
the warden of the facility. Supply funds may be used for these purchases with
prior approval.

D. Records of receipts and disbursements will be signed and controlled as with any

other drug.

E. One ounce, and not more than two ounces, are needed for the communion

service.

F. The following procedures will be utilized for Communion Wine:


1. The facility Chaplain will coordinate for the entry of any Communion Wine

into the facility.

2. The Priest/Minister will be responsible for coordinating communion services

with the facility Chaplain and the mixing of one third (1/3) water with the
wine.

3. The Roman Catholic Priest is to consume or properly dispose of all excess

wine and leave no wine available for offenders.

4. The Episcopal, Lutheran, and other Ministers will use the Intinction Method,

i.e., the wafer will be dipped in the wine and given to the offender. The
remaining wine is to be consumed or properly disposed by the
Minister/Chaplain and not be available to the offenders.

**V.** **Attachments:** None.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Communion Wine|**Policy Name:**Communion Wine|**Policy Name:**Communion Wine|
|**Policy Number:** 106.10|**Effective Date:** 03/01/2022|**Page Number:**3 of 3|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:** <br>Inmate Services Division<br>(Chaplaincy)|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|


**VI.** **Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:** None.