Shift: Diocese will allow boy with Down Syndrome to receive communion

Some may remember the story from earlier this year, about the boy in England who was not being allowed to receive his First Communion.

That’s about to change:

A seven-year-old boy with Down’s syndrome who was refused an opportunity to receive his first Holy Communion is to take the sacrament.

The Diocese of Leeds previously said Denum Ellarby, of Gomersal, West Yorks, was unprepared for the experience.

The refusal was revoked after Denum took part in weekly one-to-one Communion classes with a volunteer from the diocese.

His mother Clare Ellarby said the family was “happy” with the decision.

The Diocese of Leeds declined to comment on the altered position.

Denum will take Communion later at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Batley, with classmates from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.

Mrs Ellarby had fought for Denum to be allowed to participate.

She said: “We’re very happy with the outcome.

“Denum is looking forward to taking Communion and this means he can take this religious step with his school friends.”