Sir, - In your Editorial of February 20th you criticise Cardinal Desmond Connell's recent comments on the receipt of Eucharist in the reformed church.
When questioned on such a matter it was quite right for Dr Connell to clearly state the official stance of the organisation he represents. The fact of the matter is that Catholic doctrine forbids its members from taking communion in other churches.
For the cardinal to have suggested otherwise would not only have been misleading in the extreme, but patronising to the members of his flock and of other religions. A religion is not, after all, a political party and it cannot change its teachings to suit public opinions or to placate its critics.
So, can we honestly say Cardinal Connell is at fault for reaffirming what we all already know are the rules of Catholicism? - Yours, etc.,
James Mahon, Deerpark, Howth, Co Dublin.