Archbishops clash over communion
Dublin’s top two churchmen were locked in a war of words tonight after new remarks by Cardinal-elect Dr Desmond Connell over catholics receiving communion at protestant church services.
Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Connell - first involved in controversy over the issue three years ago, when Irish President Mary McAleese took mass at a Church of Ireland cathedral - said Anglican ministers who welcomed everyone to communion were failing to respect the faith and obligations of catholics.
A Vatican announcement last month that Dr Connell was to become a cardinal was criticised by members of both his own and other churches in Ireland.
The Archbishop, regarded as a right-wing traditionalist catholic, is due to be formally elevated to the post of Cardinal in Rome on Wednesday.
His latest comments on the communion issue, made in an interview, tonight prompted his Church of Ireland Archbishop counterpart, Dr Walton Empey, to say he was disappointed at Dr Connell’s remarks.
Dr Empey, co-incidentally speaking at a Dublin church event attended by President McAleese, but not involving communion, said he was saddended that next week’s occasion, which could have been a joyful one for the catholic church, was being marred by "acrimony."
He added: "When I go to a Roman Catholic church I respect that tradition - that we do not go forward for communion.
"But when we are in our own Church of Ireland churches, then I have to ask them to respect our position on that matter."
