Sir, - For a while, following the many shocking exposes of sexual abuse and clerical liaisons (which, it has to be said, were for the most part a feature of Roman Catholic clergy) it looked as though that church and its leaders had been greatly humbled by what transpired. No longer could they claim that they were in any way more perfect or could they be more arrogant than other Christian churches. Not for long, however.
Following the further utterances of Cardinal Connell, we are returning, in our CounterVatican II era, to shades of a 1950s Ireland. This time, instead of boycotts in Wexford, the topic touches the very heart of the Christian (not just the Roman Catholic) faith - the Last Supper, Holy Communion, and the cardinal's views on how other Christian churches should conduct their services.
It beggars belief that Cardinal Connell, who is so academically brilliant and who claims to be himself so sensitive to attacks by the media, cannot compose his statements in a way which respects the belief and faith of other Christians. - Yours, etc.,
John Leonard, Brighton Gardens, Terenure, Dublin 6.