Fr. Quinn showed himself to have "the milk of human kindness by the quart" in his veins [TLC, June 1].

Some years ago, when serving in a rather fashionable well-to-do community, I found myself in the same predicament. Using a pastoral "tough love" approach with the Episcopal family who were faithful communicants, and being fully aware that the Roman pastor would probably relegate me to an orange crate behind a pillar, I told the communicants and groom that since Rome did not welcome us to its eucharistic table, I could not assist in the nuptial liturgy. However, dressed in my best black clericals, I sat with the Episcopalians and immediate family in the front row of the church. The "groom's side" of the nave also contained another 40 to 50 Episcopalians from the parish who knew them and had been invited. The Roman priest glanced at me twice and then never again could make eye contact with me throughout the liturgy.

At the invitation to communion, after reminding us that he was holding "the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world," he immediately proceeded to announce that "only Roman Catholics are permitted to receive communion under current church law." What a travesty when only the "bride's side" rose to take communion while the "Anglican side" remained seated.

"Benign exclusion" is a euphism for Rome's continual ecumenical snobbery. God forbid that Roman Catholic wafers and Anglican ones should ever share the same paten.

(The Rev.) Steven M. Giovangelo

St. John's Church

Union City, N.J.