Sir, - In response to D. Simpson (December 1st), I too was raised as a member of the Protestant community in Dublin. I was educated in St Patrick's Cathedral Grammar School and I was both a boy chorister and a gentleman of the choir of St Patrick's for a number of years.
Those years imbued me with a unique insight into the theological aspirations of our national cathedral, and helped ignite in me the hope that, rather than retreating into the prejudices of the past, as outlined in Mr Simpson's letter, our common future would be better served by striving for a mutual partnership with all the other churches of the land. I would like to commend the new Dean for advancing this matter so soon after his appointment, and for building on the wonderful work of his predecessors.
Mr Simpson says that the Roman Catholic Church does not recognise any Reformed church, and calls for the Dean to resign for suggesting the "broadening of the cathedral's ministry". I would ask him if he can prove to me either way that the one God which both Roman Catholics and Protestants worship and believe in recognises either of the churches as the "one true and holy church".
No - the God I believe in is not based in any one building, or location, or in any particular religion of the world. "My" God is everywhere, and is worshipped by the way in which I live my life, and by using the talents and skills which were given to me. If Jesus Christ appeared again on December 24th, 1999, would Mr Simpson demand that He worship or celebrate the Eucharist only in a Protestant Church? - Yours, etc.,
Nigel G. Bannister, New Road, Enfield, Co Meath.