Was church wine used in during prohibition?

It's a common misconception that church wine was exempt from prohibition in the United States. Church wine was NOT specifically exempted from prohibition.

Here's why:

* The 18th Amendment: The amendment that established prohibition banned the "manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors." It didn't specifically exempt religious practices.

* The Volstead Act: This act defined "intoxicating liquors" and set the alcohol percentage for prohibition. While there were some exceptions for medicinal and sacramental purposes, these were strictly controlled and required permits.

* Enforcement and Loopholes: The enforcement of prohibition was inconsistent, and there were loopholes that allowed some churches to acquire wine. However, this was not a widespread practice, and many churches were forced to find alternative ways to celebrate communion.

* Wine Production: Many churches did produce their own wine, sometimes under the guise of " sacramental wine" to avoid prosecution. However, these practices were risky and often involved smuggling and illegal production.

Therefore, while some churches may have continued to use wine during prohibition, it was not legally exempt and was often obtained through illegal means.