Madam, - The remarks of Rev John McCallion of Co Tyrone (March 5th) on the appointment of Archdeacon Dermot Dunne as Dean of Christ Church Cathedral do not seem those of a "begrudger".
They appear, from a Christian clergyman, uncharitable and arguably almost bigoted in their construction. His reaction contrasts considerably with the warmth of the welcome expressed by so many of the churchmen of Rev McCallion's denomination, in the Republic at any rate.
Rev McCallion chooses to pronounce that Rev Dunne is "no longer a Catholic priest". While he may not now be a Roman Catholic priest, he is a priest in the Anglican catholic church. Rev John McCallion would, most probably, from his position of truth declare those of us unordained men and women, who have gone joyfully from "Roman" to "Anglican" catholic to be "heretics". It should comfort him that we are in such good company. - Yours, etc,
SEAN GRIFFIN, Iveleary Road, Dublin 9.
Madam, - How splendid of Fr McCallon to share his forebodings for the future of Christ Church and the faith we hold dear. Dare one suggest, however, that he cast a discreet glance at canon 751 of the Code of Canon Law, where he will find apostasy defined as "the total repudiation of the Christian faith".
Not quite applicable to the present case, really. - Yours, etc,
NOEL COGHLAN, Hillcrest Park, Lucan, Co Dublin.