Sir - I write to support the excellent article by the Dean of Ferns, the Very Rev Leslie Forrest (The Irish Times, July 8th) about the future use of the bishop's residence in Kilkenny. The buildings surrounding the Church of Ireland cathedral in this historic city form an integral unity almost unique in our part of Ireland, and an outstanding element in the city's range of heritage structures.
All these buildings should therefore remain in the same ownership and control to ensure that they retain that unity in the years ahead. If there is unused space in the bishop's residence it can of course be leased out to the Heritage Council or whatever body can make effective use of it, under suitable conditions of occupation.
The Church of Ireland today has succeeded to many fine period buildings, and with changed circumstances and reduced numbers difficult decisions have to be taken. In the steps adopted to meet this challenge many mistakes have already been made. Dean Forrest's example of the sale of the old deanery in Ferns shows this in unambiguous terms. The Church has gone overboard in many instances in instituting change for its own sake, and must be mindful of the old adage about "throwing out the baby with the bathwater".
The issue of Kilkenny concerns all elements of the combined diocese of Ossory, Ferns and Loughlin, Cashel and Emly, Waterford and Lismore, as the only remaining clerical residence of distinction. And in so far as all contribute to its upkeep, they must be fairly represented in any decision on its future. It also concerns those residents of the city who take pride in its buildings and history, and a wider public including visitors from other parts of Ireland and abroad.
A high-handed or manipulative approach to such issues cannot be countenanced in such circumstances and I appeal for wide support for the stand taken by Dean Forrest - Yours, etc.,
Richard Donovan, Ballymore, Camolin, Co Wexford.