Group pleads for inter-church couples

A group representing couples involved in inter-church marriages has appealed to those in authority in the Catholic Church to consider them "in a more positive ecumenical light".

In a statement to coincide with the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which began yesterday, the Association of Inter-Church Families described inter-church couples as living at the "cutting edge of practical ecumenism".

The group said the "official Roman Catholic Church ruling on inter-communion creates problems for married couples who are committed to their respective churches but who share a common Christian unity in their marriage and wish to express this in a practical way by partaking in each other's Eucharist".

It said that throughout Ireland there was "a huge variance of approach" to inter-church couples, which seemed to depend on the attitude of the local priest or minister. In the light of the recent public discussion on inter-church communion, the association appealed "to those in authority" to consider such couples' position in a more positive and ecumenical light. During this week particularly they asked that their members be remembered.