I agree entirely with Edward Butler (Letters, 29 August) on the return of the Third Rite. Like, I think, many others, I felt the immense loss of the gift of general absolution, particularly at Advent and Lent.Britain, we are told, with our consumerist culture and godlessness, is probably the most individualistic culture in the world. What a splendid opportunity general confession and absolution gave us for witnessing to the fact that we are a community of sinners, rejoicing in the forgiveness of a God whose defining characteristic is mercy.The early Church apparently enjoyed general absolution. The people of God in this country (presumably enjoying the guidance of the Holy Spirit) have in large numbers expressed their unwillingness to return to regular individual confession.Perhaps it is