Sir, - It makes me sad to hear all this discussion about whether or not President McAleese should or should not have taken Communion in Christ Church Cathedral.
Whenever there is an inter-church controversy my feeling is that we should get back to basics, which is the Bible.
In St Matthew, Chapter 26, verses 26-29, in the account of the Last Supper, Jesus says: "Take this and eat, this is my body"; and: "Drink this, all of you, for this is my blood shed for you for the forgiveness of sins."
Surely if we call ourselves Christians, we should follow the teachings of Jesus and be all-inclusive. The dogmas imposed by men throughout the history of the established churches should be re-examined.
Many times at Mass (I attend as I sing with a mixed choir), when the majority go up to receive Communion, I sit in my seat. I feel excluded because there is the table spread, but not for me. In the Church of Ireland, all are welcome.
For change to take place, people must vote with their consciences and their feet, as did our President and family, and I applaud her. - Yours, etc., Jackie Taylor,
Straffan,
Co Kildare.