Madam, - It seems sad that Fr John McCallion (March 5th and 8th) should greet the appointment of the Archdeacon of Ferns to one of the Church of Ireland's most prestigious cathedral appointments with a regression to the theological position of the 16th century, and particularly a misquotation of the Thirty-Nine Articles in relation to the Church of Ireland's teaching on the Eucharist. This is especially so since the archdeacon's appointment has been greeted with otherwise universal approval.
The Church of Ireland does not regard the Mass as a "monstrous blasphemy." The article in question should be read in its entirety (Book of Common Prayer 2004, p. 786) and refers to popular beliefs ("in which it was commonly said") rather than official teaching.
The Latin version of the article can be found in E.J. Bicknell's A Theological Introduction to the Thirty-Nine Articles (3rd edition), p. 410.
The eucharistic teaching in the articles, and the various Books of Common Prayer, has not prevented attempts at rapprochement between Rome and Anglicanism. Archbishop John Gregg, of Dublin and later Armagh, said that both Popes Paul V and Pius IV offered to confirm the Book of Common Prayer if Elizabeth I would acknowledge the Pope's supremacy.
In our own day ARCIC I produced documents showing considerable agreement between the two communions on the Eucharist. These have been accepted by Rome as not inconsistent with the (Roman) Catholic faith, and by Lambeth as being in substantial agreement with the faith of Anglicans. We should also consider the agreement among theologians of all the major Christian traditions - Anglican and Roman Catholic included - on the Eucharist in the World Council of Churches document Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry (1982), known as the Lima Text.
Finally, to return to confessional statements of the 16th century, the Church of Ireland General Synod in 1999 passed a resolution on sectarianism which stated, inter alia: "Historic documents often stem from periods of deep separation between Christian Churches. Whilst, in spite of a real degree of convergence, distinct differences remain, negative statements towards other Christians should not be seen as representing the spirit of this Church today. . .[ the Church of Ireland] regrets that words written in another age and in a different context should be used in a manner hurtful to or antagonistic towards other Christians." (Journal of the General Synod 1999, p.xcvii). - Yours, etc,
CHARLES JURY,
Adelaide Park,
Belfast.
Madam, - Fr Eoin de Bhaldraithe (March 10th) refers to the 1972 "agreement" between representatives of the Catholic Church and representatives of the Anglican Communion on the Eucharist.
Clearly, both sides agreed to disagree since both traditions continue to hold radically different understandings of the Eucharist, so much so as to render sacramental inter-communion impossible.
Referring to the Anglican Dean-elect of Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, Fr de Bhaldraithe goes on to ask: shouldn't we "rejoice that Dermot Dunne is still preaching the Gospel as a minister of Christ rather than taking a job as a lawyer or bank manager?" I don't know any bank managers, but I do know quite a few lawyers who are giving admirable witness to the Gospel in their daily lives. You don't have to stand in a pulpit to preach Christianity. - Yours, etc,
MICHAEL KELLY,
South Circular Road,
Dublin 8.
Madam, - I find it difficult to understand all the arguments about who is right and who is wrong in matters of faith, whatever the denomination. As a Catholic, I just keep in mind those words spoken by Jesus: "In my Father's house there are many mansions." - Yours, etc,
JOAN HICKEY,
Lower Kilmacud Road,
Dublin 14.