Sir, - It was with admiration and a certain pride that I participated in the inauguration of President McAleese. Here was a person from my own generation and from the same cultural and religious background becoming the first citizen of the Republic of Ireland. She was no longer a private citizen but would be public by representing Irish people of every culture and religion throughout the world.
It was, therefore, extremely disappointing that, in her role as President, she received Holy Communion at a Church of Ireland service. With deepest respect for that sacred event in the Church of Ireland, one would have to ask how someone could respect the religious culture of others if one does not respect one's own religious culture. Of all people, the President was aware of the fact that the churches had not reached agreement on this delicate and central issue. She would have also been aware of the guidelines issued by the Church as a result of this lack of agreement. It was particularly sad that this happened in relation to a very sacred aspect of our faith.
The issue has now been taken up by the media and by some people who have no understanding or respect for Holy Communion in any of the two faiths. Maybe the President was not aware of the amount of hurt that could be caused, not only to Northern Catholics but to receiving Catholics throughout Ireland and the world.
I continue to admire and respect President McAleese and I wish her well in all her future endeavours. My hope would be that if this matter arises again she would take it gently and give deep consideration to the sensitive issue involved. - Yours, etc.,
From (Fr) Noel Brown
St. Patrick's Missionary Society, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow.
PS: Ambassador Jean Kennedy's reception of Holy Communion in the Church of Ireland only aggravates an already confused and painful debate in the aftermath of the President's action.