Church leaders have reason to be concerned

IN his column (Irish Examiner, April 22), Ryle Dwyer cannot “understand the mentality” of those who had difficulties with Fr Iggy O’Donovan’s invitation to Rev Michael Graham to concelebrate Mass on Easter Sunday.

Might I suggest the obvious? Rev Graham is not an ordained Catholic priest, which is a pretty basic requirement for the celebration of Mass.

Interestingly, as I’m sure Mr Dwyer is aware, Church of Ireland Primate Robin Eames expressed similar concerns about the event, as did the Catholic hierarchy. Was Dr Eames “less Christian” for so doing? No — on the very reasonable grounds that such events “can lead to misunderstandings”.

These are obviously in relation to the distinctive views held by each church regarding the nature of the eucharist.

James McGrath

Birchgrove

Hollyford

Co Tipperary