Sir, - The report on the Rev Chris and the Rev Paula Halliday leaving the Church of Ireland to become clergy in the Episcopal Church in the United States creates the impression that the Church of Ireland does not allow clergy couples to live together. This is not the case. The constitution of the Church of Ireland requires that priests of parishes reside within their parish unless granted permission by the bishop to live elsewhere. The rule is understandably more rigorously enforced in rural areas where parishes are some distance apart and where it is felt important that the priest be a member of the local community.
There are spheres of ministry other than that of parish priest. A degree of flexibility and imagination is required on all sides.
We have both been in holy orders since 1987 and continue to live happily together. - Yours, etc.,
Ian Poulton, Katharine Poulton, Rector of St Matthias', Killiney-Ballybrack, Curate of St Patrick's, Greystones.