Women had positions of ecclesiastical authority. They even assisted in Holy Communion. Celtic sites draw pilgrims from around the world. Celtic churches and groups in this country appeal to people from Anglican, Methodist, Catholic and other traditions. But the interest in this ancient spirituality is part of a larger cultural appetite for all other things Celtic.
Music plays a big role, both in and outside the church.
Bold tap, stomp and sway mesmerized in Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. The Chieftains still pack in a crowd. Maire Brennan of the Celtic pop group Clannad, whose voice haunted and lingered in The Last of the Mohicans, released a Celtic Christian CD just this week. Christian artist Marty McCall of Nashville, Tenn., says people gravitate to Celtic music, Gregorian chant and other early church music because they want to connect with the past in an ever-shifting pop culture. The artist uses a pop style when he performs as part of the duo First Call.