Sir, - I would like to ask Dr Cyril Daly (May 23rd) if he remembers the photograph of our senior politicians waiting outside the church while the funeral service of our first President, Dubhglhas De hIde, was taking place? Clearly they thought they were forbidden as members of the Roman Catholic Church to take part in a Church of Ireland service.
I'm sure there were several canon lawyers around at the time, perhaps even one or two among the bishopric. If, as Dr Daly says, "Canon Law provided explicit accommodation" to attend such a service, why did the bishops not advise the Government that it was unnecessary for them to stand out side the church but that they should "be present ... as an outward mark of charity and honour"? They were not slow to advise on other matters, why not this one?
Those of us Roman Catholics who are ashamed of the Ne Temere decree and similar unChristian acts towards the members of other Christian denominations are not trying to ingratiate ourselves "with present times". Surely it is the mark of a Christian to seek forgiveness? - Yours, etc.,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 14.