Church facilities only for the committed

I WOULD have some sympathy with Wenche Fast who seems to have been exposed to some of the realities of Irish inter-church relations (Irish Examiner letters, April 8).

However, it seems peculiar to wish to have her son confirmed into a church that none of her family otherwise seems to be associated with.

Confirmation is a renewal of an undertaking given at baptism by sponsors and should be regarded as a serious commitment, not just a day to dress up and go out with school friends.

I would take exception to the inference that the boy should have had his day out under the wing of the Church of Ireland - as though that church was a repository of last resort for every sacramental refugee washed up on its doorstep.

Church facilities, either spiritual or material, should not be made available to those who have not demonstrated any long-term commitment to that church. Perhaps the Church of Ireland has not always been strict enough in that regard.

David Roberts

Gloundine

Castlegrove

Mallow

Co Cork