Dear Madam,
May I, as a non-Catholic Christian, married to a Catholic, make a few observations on Sue Oakley's letter, and the two replies taking contrary viewpoints.
How can I, in good conscience, covertly, take communion, when I know the official church only wants to grant me this on fixed occasions, like big wedding anniversaries?
What would it mean if I took communion from a 'traditional' priest, whom I knew would be totally offended if I told him I was not a Catholic?
But I am well known locally in ecumenical circles, and my wife and I are active and known in each other's churches.
I would not embarrass priests whom I know well, by challenging them by presenting at the altar.
Am I to sneak off to an unknown RC church?
I pray that the synod follows the path of mercy, and offers a path which is more openly welcoming at the Eucharist, so that the divorced/ remarried, who demonstrate recourse and non-Catholic spouses who demonstrate understanding of the Eucharist are given the opportunity to exercise their consciences without deception when they feel in need, rather than, as in my case, ask formally every time (and be turned down, on occasion).
It is a great sadness that my wife and I cannot receive communion together regularly, in celebration of the great gift of marriage.
The Eucharist is a great gift and support for the weeks ahead, why withhold it from those in need?
Yours Sincerely,
Antony Denman, Northampton
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