Alcohol Policy

Approved- May 2026

Episcopal Convention Act 2015-A158 reads: “The 78th General Convention acknowledged The Episcopal Church’s long-standing tolerance for the use of alcohol which, in some cases, has contributed to its misuse, and has undermined a climate of wholeness and holiness for all. Our 
Church culture too often avoids hard conversations about alcohol use, and the role of forgiveness and compassion in healing and recovery. We aspire to be a place in which conversations about alcohol, substance misuse, or addiction are not simply about treatment but about renewal, justice, wholeness, and healing. We affirm that Recovery Ministries of The Episcopal Church has long been and continues to be a valuable resource for this work.”

Church of Our Saviour strives to be a place where we can celebrate together safely. Celebration is a major part of our community, and we want to provide inclusive and welcoming environments to celebrate together. Therefore, we seek to adopt the normative practices of our 
faith tradition.

Clergy of Church of Our Saviour shall:
Consecrate an appropriate amount of wine when celebrating the Eucharist and perform ablutions in a way that does not foster or model misuse.
Acknowledge the efficacy of receiving the sacrament in one kind.
Not expect or require anyone to consume excess consecrated wine.

The vestry and staff of Church of Our Saviour shall:

• Provide a safe and welcoming environment for all people, including people in recovery.

• Store any alcohol stored on church property in a locked cabinet, room, or closet. Key access should be limited and restricted to members of the clergy and church leaders. As with all congregational keys, this key holder must be current with safe church certification.

• Conduct no business or open discussion of issues during or after the serving of alcohol. Business includes the work of vestry, discernment and recruitment committees, all church committees and councils, and church schools.

• Offer non-alcoholic beverages in a way that is equally attractive and accessible as alcoholic beverages.

• Serve food of some kind when alcohol is present.

• Ensure that the offering of alcohol must not be the primary purpose of the event or used as an enticement for any function.

• At least two members of the vestry or executive council must approve the serving of alcohol prior to the event and ensure that responsible adults oversee the serving of alcoholic beverages to assure full compliance with this policy.

 
In addition, Church of Our Saviour shall adopt normative practices for the serving of alcohol followed by bars, restaurants, and catered events.

• No alcohol shall ever be served to minors (those under 21 years of age.) Serving alcoholic beverages at congregational events focused on minors is discouraged as a matter of hospitality. 

• Any beverage or food that contains alcohol must be clearly labeled as such.

• People serving alcohol must not drink alcoholic beverages during their shift. 

Amendment – Marijuana:
Since we cannot condone nor allow behavior that is in violation of federal law, the use of marijuana, either medically or recreationally, and the recreational and intentional misuse of prescription drugs is prohibited at or COS events, whether held on or off of parish property.