The former Catholic primate, Cardinal Cahal Daly, has called on all churches to "support each other's witness to Christ". Speaking at an ecumenical service last night, he expressed his regret at the recent exchanges on communion which "seemed to many to be a set-back to inter-church relations".
He said Christians of different faiths can express their fellowship at ecumenical services in a way which does not cause embarrassment to any tradition. They can do this by coming before the priest or minister with hands crossed on their chest and head bowed, to receive a blessing.
Dr Daly was speaking at an ecumenical service for the week of prayer for Christian unity at Holy Redeemer Church in Bray, Co Wicklow.
