Approved by Bishop's Committee: July 18, 2010 
The Episcopal Church has never endorsed prohibiting the use of beverages containing alcohol among adult
members. Scripture offers Jesus' example of the use and serving of wine in his first miracle at Cana and in the
institution of the Holy Eucharist. If an adult member elects to use alcohol, however, moderate usage is expected.
Church members should be educated regarding those conditions that might consequently compromise the health
and safety of oneself or others. The Church also supports and has a responsibility to those people who abstain
from the use of alcoholic beverages for whatever reason.1
We believe that alcohol consumption is a personal decision, but, if consumed, should be done
responsibly. At the same time, we recognize that members in our congregation struggle with addiction.
We also strive to respect the dignity of everyone who comes to the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour
[ECOS]. Therefore, we do not encourage the use of alcohol, but on occasions in which it is used at
functions, our aim is to illustrate that it is possible for responsible alcohol use and abstinence to coexist.
When Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding at Cana in John 2:1-11, he did this to reveal his
glory to the disciples. Fellowship functions at Our Saviour endeavor to reflect the glory and love of God.
The spirit underlying these guidelines, therefore, is one that seeks to focus on gathering people together
in fellowship.
These guidelines are in compliance with The General Convention of The Episcopal Church [resolution
1985-A083] and the policies of the Diocese of Lexington. They apply to all groups, meetings, and events
held at ECOS and away from ECOS property as well as groups who use ECOS space for their events—
receptions, civic group meetings, concerts, etc. Please adhere to the following guidelines:
1. The offering of alcohol may not be advertised or promoted in ECOS communications, and will not be
the primary purpose of the event.
2. No alcohol may be served at a function which is sponsored in whole or in part by or for youth.
3. Any beverage which contains alcohol must be clearly labeled as such. This applies to any food where
alcohol has not been volatilized.
4. Alcohol should always be served with food.
5. Whenever alcohol is served in any form, non-alcoholic beverages, including sugar-free beverages, must
always be offered and served with the same attractiveness and accessibility as those containing
alcohol.
6. All applicable Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances, including those governing the serving of
alcoholic beverages to minors, must be observed.
7. Although these guidelines recognize that adults often enjoy alcoholic beverages, they also recognize
that drunkenness is always unacceptable Christian behavior; care must be taken to ensure that
responsible persons are in control of the serving of alcoholic beverages.
8. The individual, group, or organization sponsoring the event at which alcoholic beverages are served
must assume moral and legal responsibility for those who might become intoxicated, including the
provision of transportation for anyone whose driving might be impaired. If on ECOS property, all
opened bottles must be removed immediately from the premises at the conclusion of the function,
and unopened bottles must be properly stored or removed from ECOS property.
9. It is the duty of the Priest in charge of the congregation, or in her or his absence, the Senior Warden
of the Bishop’s Committee (or Vestry) to assume responsibility for the dissemination of and
observance of these guidelines.
10. Non-church organizations using church facilities are expected to observe the above guidelines.
1 Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 1985 (New York:
General Convention, 1986), p. 135.
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