The statement from Archbishop Bernard Longley resisting the widening of eucharistic sharing in inter-church marriages is deeply saddening  (News from Britain and Ireland, 17 October). One wonders where the concept of a “right” sits when considering the Eucharist as pure gift? This lack of understanding and compassion contrasts sharply with the wisdom of Mark Hanns’ approach to the offering of Communion to remarried divorcees in the same issue. It also departs far from Fr John Hanvey’s vision of “communities of love and tender understanding” and Mary Ruffle’s call for a wider eucharistic hospitality (Letters, 17 October). The rigidity reflected in Archbishop Longley’s words can cause profound harm and suffering. It should be challenged a