Sir, - I have reservations about the use of the word "powers" in relation to bishops (Patsy McGarry, May 19th). In the authentic tradition, we speak about authority rather than power; authority meaning service; the service of men and women.
I believe a resolution hammered out by the General Synod of the Church of Ireland, in its unity and in its diversity, has a far greater authority than the exercise of so called episcopal powers by an individual bishop. It is an authority which is infinitely more Catholic and Apostolic. - Yours, etc., Nicholas Cummins,
Killaloe, Co Clare.