No need to ban church photography

Dear Editor, The Irish Independent recently carried an over-the-top front page headline ‘Church photos banned amid child abuse fears’. Your very fine editorial (IC 07/05/2015) correctly identifies the unnecessary alienation caused by “bureaucratic overreach”.

My own belief is that the ban is in place because of the irreverence and distracting behaviour that accompanies amateur photography during Mass. I only wish that those in authority would remind parents and others of the sacredness of the occasion rather than hide behind unconvincing phrases such as “child protection concerns”.

Happily in Kerry, as elsewhere, common sense prevails. A month ago we were invited to take class photos of our grandchildren’s Confirmation in church with our very cooperative bishop.

Last year, at another grandchild’s first Communion ceremony, in Co. Kilkenny, we were encouraged to take whole class and individual photos with the priest on the altar after the Mass. In Ballinasloe, we were told that there should be no photography during the Mass, other than by the official video-maker. However, again we were invited forward after Mass to take full class and individual photos.

Here in Killarney, the recent first Communion and Confirmation services were available live on the cathedral website for all of the wider parish community to enjoy. Thanks be to God!

Yours etc.,

Alan Whelan,

Killarney,

Co. Kerry.