Following is the statement by the Church of Ireland primate, Dr Eames, Dec 17th, 1997:
I deeply regret that something as sacred to the faithful of either the Anglican or the Roman Catholic tradition as the Eucharist or Holy Communion should become the source of any remarks or speculation which could be divisive.
The perception that remarks, even if taken out of context, were derogatory of either tradition is to be regretted at a time when Christians of different traditions are earnestly seeking greater understanding and the healing of long-standing wounds. Too easily we use words which can be detrimental to the process of reconciliation.
It is important that the position of the Church of Ireland is clearly stated at this period. Our teaching and doctrine is part of the Apostolic tradition, and is commensurate with the teaching and witness of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
We welcome participation in the Eucharist of a baptised and practising member of any Christian tradition who feels in conscience that they wish to do so. It is then a matter for that person to exercise the freedom of action allowed by their own conscience. We do not feel as a Church that we can or ought to place restrictions on those who wish to receive Holy Communion according to our tradition. But it is entirely a matter for the choice and action of an individual.
The Church of Ireland regards the Eucharist as a sacrament which is a gift from Christ. Historically the Roman Catholic Church does not accept the validity of Anglican Orders. Therefore, strictly speaking, an ordained priest of the Church of Ireland cannot validly consecrate the elements of the Holy Communion according to this view. Second, there is the matter of transubstantiation. We believe that while this sacrament is a gift from Christ to His Church, Our Lord did not define its precise nature or define its component ingredients. Nor do we as Anglicans.
The ongoing work of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) of which the former Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Macadoo, was co-chairman, has done so much to enlighten both our traditions on the nature of the Eucharist. Particularly, it has emphasised areas of broad agreement. We have come a long way in that regard - but we have still a long way to go.
What is important at this stage in the ecumenical dialogue and journey is that honesty, integrity and real charity characterises our discussions. In a world of increasing secularism and a world in which Christianity itself is under attack, we ought surely to emphasise our points of agreement rather than over-emphasising our differences.
We must seek to understand the teaching of others, while clearly stating our own beliefs. At all costs we must avoid making the pilgrimage of fellow Christians more difficult.