Letters

Unwarranted changes

John McLaren

Contents - Apr 2008 - Buy a copy now Editorial: AD2000 reaches the twenty year mark - Michael Gilchrist Christ's commandment: Church's 'primary task' is evangelisation: Benedict XVI - Michael Gilchrist News: The Church Around the World Human rights: Cardinal Joseph Zen: conscience of China - Peter Westmore Progress report: AD2000's worldwide outreach via the Internet - Francis Young WYDSYD08: World Youth Day Sydney: look for the wider trend - Joanna Bogle Timor L'Este: Salesians continue to offer more hope in East Timor - Br Michael Lynch SDB Church law: Conciliar decrees: what authority do they have? - Frank Mobbs Apostolic journey: Pope's Washington visit will address key issues - Peter Westmore Legal Year homily: Truth and the law: legal should also mean moral - Bishop Peter Elliott Adult education: Sydney's Centre for Thomistic Studies - Donald G. Boland Fly Away to Heaven project: responding to Christ's call to charity - Fr John Fowles CCS Letters: Student generosity - Name and Address Supplied Letters: Inspired life of Peter Gallagher - John Young Letters: Binding document - On Ordinatio Sacerdotalis responsum ad dubium (1995) - George Simpson Letters: Unwarranted changes - John McLaren Letters: Church interiors - Marija Sestan Books: REDEEMING GRIEF: Abortion and Its Pain, by Anne Lastman - Charles Francis (reviewer) Books: THE ENEMY WITHIN: Radical Feminism in the Christian Churches - Catherine Sheehan (reviewer) Events: BOOK LAUNCH - INKLINGS OF HEAVEN by Sean Connolly Books: Books available from AD2000 Books Reflection: Original Sin, the 'madness' of the Cross and the 'foolishness' of God's love - Fr Dennis Byrnes

I was pleased to read the article titled 'Did Vatican II recommend the removal of altar rails?' by M. Cassey. I am of the opinion that many informed and practising Catholics would agree with the comments made.

The author has presented a reasoned argument for the retention of altar rails and demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of Church teaching, tradition and architecture. Unfortunately, the perceived need for change for its own sake has tended to dominate Church policies wherever the 'trendies' are in decision making positions. However, there is a glimmer of light now shining in the form of a liberalising of the Latin Mass, details of which appeared on page 10 of the same issue of AD2000.

With reference to 'active participation', I have noticed on some occasions when there are Baptisms during Mass and on other occasions such as Confirmation, a lack of respect in the vicinity of the sanctuary is shown by excessive talking and general noise caused by persons taking photographs and video recording.

JOHN McLAREN
Beecroft, NSW

Reprinted from AD2000 Vol 21 No 3 (April 2008), p. 16