Sir, - Fr David O'Hanlon (April 17th) tells us that the Church is never entitled to do anything other than what Jesus did. Since Jesus did not ordain women, the Church cannot even consider such a possibility. It seems to me that Christ didn't adorn Himself at the Last Supper with costly, gold-embroidered vestments. He didn't live in a luxurious palace and he certainly did not drive a top-of-the-range BMW. Nevertheless, many of his present-day representatives enjoy such a lifestyle apparently without qualms, while other people are in dire need. It would seem, therefore, that rules made by Christ which suit a male-dominated Church are sacrosanct while others can be altered or ignored. - Yours, etc.,
Carmel Courtney
Sandyford Road, Dublin 16.