Probes into ecumenical Mass

ARCHBISHOP OF Armagh, Dr Sean Brady, and his Church of Ireland counterpart, Archbishop Robin Eames, have launched investigations into an Easter Sunday Mass in Co Louth where a Church of Ireland minister concelebrated with priests in a Catholic Church.

In a statement issued last night, Dr Brady said: “True ecumenism is best served by initiatives that are respectful of, and sensitive to, the traditions, ethos and discipline of all those involved. Otherwise there is a real danger of causing widespread confusion, raising false hopes and creating situations that are open to misunderstandings and manipulation.”

Archbishop Eames said he shared Dr Brady’s concerns about the “implications for ecumenical relationships” arising from the concelebration of Holy Communion.