Sir, – I would like to join Patrick Seaver (October 3rd) in commending Archbishop Martin on his announcement regarding communion ceremonies. My approval however, unlike that of Mr Seaver I suspect, stems from my belief, as an atheist and anti-theist, that the one of the best ways to discourage people from religion is to actually make them engage with the real thing.
I suspect (and indeed hope) that many of the “cultural Catholic” parents who tick Catholic on the census form will not be too bothered with communion if the ridiculous pomp and ceremony is removed, and indeed, if they are expected to practise the faith that they unconvincingly declare. To further this burgeoning Campaign for Real Religion, I encourage the archbishop to throw his considerable authority behind the “Read the Bible” campaign sponsored by Atheist Ireland. – Yours, etc,