The two recent liturgical conferences in Dublin [TLC, Sept. 17] gave some American Episcopalians a unique opportunity for views of current Christianity in Ireland. The conferences offered the chance to worship in Dublin's two historic Anglican cathedrals which have existed (originally in competition) since medieval times. Christ Church today is the cathedral of the Diocese of Dublin and the seat of the archbishop of the Southern Province of the Church of Ireland. St. Patrick's Cathedral is now a special institution serving the entire Irish church, much as Westminister Abbey serves the entire Church of England.

These and a number of other historic churches are beautifully maintained and apparently much respected, and visitors are cordially welcomed. Many Irish who should know their history better regard the Church of Ireland ("the Protestant Church") as an English intrusion, but the fact that a Roman Catholic preacher could be invited to occupy the pulpit at Christ Church (as happened during the Congress of Societas Litugrigcas), and that many Roman Catholics receive Holy Communion there, reflects newer ecumenical feeling.

The peace talks in Northern Ireland, like those in the Holy Land, continue to meet obstacles, and the newspapers regularly carry calls for the cessation of violence from the Anglican primate, Dr. Eames (bishops in the British Isles are regularly designated "Dr.").

The Roman Catholic Irish Church has been in a stir this summer. A younger, energetic, and respected bishop, Dr. Brendan Comiskey of Ferne, has called, in defiance of his superiors, for an open discussion of the abandonment of required celibacy for priests, and an English bishop promptly backed him up. Meanwhile, on the streets of Dublin, people can be seen carrying placards calling for the ordination of women. Times are certainly changing in this bastion of Roman Catholic conservatism.