Sir, - I would consider myself very ecumenical and I have no objection to Mass being celebrated in a Church of Ireland Church on an occasional basis, such as when the local Roman Catholic Church is being redecorated. I do, however, have a problem with Mass in the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland on a regular basis (Interview with Dean McCarthy, The Irish Times, November 25th).
Having Roman Catholic Mass in St Patrick's would seem to call into question the efficacy of the Sacrament administered by Dean McCarthy and his colleagues. It would be my opinion that if tourists don't want to receive at a Church of Ireland altar (where they are welcome), they can be directed to the Pro-Cathedral or to one of the many other Roman Catholic churches in Dublin City.
Until Rome recognises Anglican orders and allows unimpeded sharing of Communion, I would be against the Dean's suggestion. What we all must aim for is a time when it should be unnecessary to have a separate Roman Catholic Mass, a time when all will be welcome at the one altar. That situation will not come about until Rome comes to understand that it is incorrect in its present position.
To use a phrase from the Northern peace process, we would have to "jump together" on Eucharistic hospitality. It's not only hot-headed Northern Orangemen who think that way either. A lot of ecumenically minded folk in the South think the same, if conversations I've had on the subject are anything to go by. - Yours, etc.,
David Frazer, St Michael's Rectory, Millicent, Sallins, Co Kildare.