Communion Wine in Tennessee

[NewMexicoCowboy]

I am a Christian and part of my faith is to take communion every Sunday.I prefer to take communion with alcoholic wine.I may raise my family in Tennessee.I heard its illegal for minors to take a sip of real wine during communion because of strict drinking laws.Is that true in Tennessee.Also what are the legal consequences for that crime?I hope its not a felony.Is wine banned for minors in Tennessee during Communion ?Thanks in advance.I cant afford to hire a lawyer to find out the law on this matter.Also I have been advised that calling law enforcement for clarification about criminal law is a bad idea so thats why I am asking yall.

[GWoodle]

Originally Posted by NewMexicoCowboy

I am a Christian and part of my faith is to take communion every Sunday.I prefer to take communion with alcoholic wine.I may raise my family in Tennessee.I heard its illegal for minors to take a sip of real wine during communion because of strict drinking laws.Is that true in Tennessee.Also what are the legal consequences for that crime?I hope its not a felony.Is wine banned for minors in Tennessee during Communion ?Thanks in advance.I cant afford to hire a lawyer to find out the law on this matter.Also I have been advised that calling law enforcement for clarification about criminal law is a bad idea so thats why I am asking yall.

Are you sure the "wine" used for communion isn't grape juice?

[NewMexicoCowboy]

Originally Posted by GWoodle

Are you sure the "wine" used for communion isn't grape juice?

I use alcoholic red wine for communion.I dont use grape juice.

[DubbleT]

A quick search shows conflicting info. I'd be inclined to go with the .gov site and refrain from serving wine at communion until such time you can confirm with a lawyer.

https://alcohol.org/laws/underage-drinking/

Religious services. In the United States, 26 states allow minors to consume alcohol as part of a religious service or ceremony such as drinking wine during a church service.

(TENNESSEE is not listed as one of those states)

https://alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/...s/tennessee/94

Consumption is prohibited with NO EXCEPTIONS.

https://www.arch.org/is-it-legal-for...cohol-at-home/

While most states have legal loopholes allowing minors to drink alcohol at home under adult supervision, Tennessee has some of the nation’s strictest underaged drinking laws. In the Volunteer State, the only legally permissible situations in which people under age 21 can possess or consume alcohol are:

A person 18 or older can transport or sell alcohol as part of their job.
A religious officiant may administer alcohol to youth as part of a ceremony in accordance with the traditions of their faith.
In any other circumstances or setting, an underaged person cannot legally drink alcohol in Tennessee, regardless of whether a parent or guardian provides it and supervises them. Adults can face severe criminal charges for giving a minor alcohol, even if it is their child and they are in their home. Possible penalties include a Class A misdemeanor conviction, jail time and/or probation, fines of up to $2,500 and a suspended driver’s license.

[drinkthekoolaid]

I would think this would fall under freedom of religion and would be allowed. I don't see the state trying to get involved in minors taking a barely measurable sip of wine during a religious sacrament.

[NewMexicoCowboy]

Originally Posted by drinkthekoolaid

I would think this would fall under freedom of religion and would be allowed. I don't see the state trying to get involved in minors taking a barely measurable sip of wine during a religious sacrament.

Oh okay thanks.