Sir, - The controversy over President McAleese taking Communion in Christ Church must sadden everybody who yearns for an inclusive and tolerant society on this island. It is probably correct that she broke the rigid and dogmatic rules of the Catholic Church, but surely the simple act of reaching out did not warrant the tone and vehemence of the Church's response. Dr Connell has tried to clarify his use of the word "sham", but continues to insist that the act of taking Communion is not acceptable. The tone of other considered scholars of theology does nothing to give confidence to ordinary people that there is a willingness on the part of the Church to promote tolerance and acceptance of other points of view.
When Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the door of the Castle Church of Wittenburg he was in effect starting a debate on theology. The result was a bitter and divisive schism within the Church. But Luther never lost his love nor his commitment to the Gospel. In a letter to a friend in October 1527, he wrote: "God be praised that amid so much evil, He has granted us poor miserable creatures a glorious glimpse of His loving kindness as a token that He has not forsaken us."
We seem to have lost that glimpse. Nobody has the monopoly on paradise, whatever the perception of paradise is. The original Nazarene offered us a glimpse of His love and forgiveness when He said: "I have carved you on the palms of my hands. You are special in my eyes. You are honoured and I love you." He never qualified His love by saying recipients had to be of a particular denomination. He simply asked us to follow His example.
The President promised us in the election campaign to be a builder of bridges. I suggest that the building of bridges needs a lot more than the prime contractor. The structure needs to span the divide; it cannot be built from the centre to one side or the other. It needs maintenance staff who will protect it from the abuse of storms; it needs personnel with considerable strength of character who will risk laying solid and robust foundations; it needs people with nerves of steel, but who are sensitive and caring enough to know when to add another piece. But most of all the bridge needs users - people who will risk going out on a yet untested structure to reach out to the other side. - Yours, etc.,
Malahide, Co Dublin.