Madam, - I am not sure why Father David O'Hanlon (July 1st) needs to feel so defensive towards fellow-Christians of other denominations.
Even supposing them to be strangers, Christ encouraged a kinder attitude. ("I was a stranger and ye took me in". Whatever about the merits or otherwise from different religious perspectives of the occasional, if growing, practice of intercommunion, I somewhat doubt that the main problem in inter-church relations in Ireland is that there are too many Protestants thrusting themselves forward to take Mass or rushing to describe themselves as Catholic.
This is different, of course, from attendance, when invited, at a special commemorative Mass, or weddings or at funerals. While I accept we should not sensitively intrude on each other's reserved religious space, occasions for sharing what can be shared are good.
We are surely long past the time in the South when those who are in the great majority should feel seriously threatened or irritated by the presence of a small minority.
Might I hazard to commend to Father O'Hanlon, purely in connection with letter-writing, a favourite saying, applicable to many situations, of a former Bishop of Autun - Talleyrand, admittedly apostate, who went on to have a brilliant career in the wake of the French Revolution: "Not too much zeal". - Yours, etc.,
MARTIN MANSERGH, Seanad Éireann, Baile Átha Cliath, 2.
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Madam, - If my brother or sister calls to my house while I'm preparing dinner, I lay an extra place for them. I was under the impression that all Christians were brothers and sisters in Christ. I must be delusional. - Yours, etc.,
GRÁINNE DUGGAN, Viewmount, Waterford.
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Madam, - David O'Hanlon CC has failed to realise that he is not the head of the household to which the stranger arrives uninvited. He is merely one of the children sitting at the table.
It may well be that the head of the house wants to make the stranger feel welcome.
If so, why should David feel so shocked, threatened and resentful. What is he so afraid of? - Yours, etc.,
CJ DONOHUE , Millwood, Arklow Rd, Aughrim, Co Wicklow.