Courtney McGrailDear Editor, Why this terrible change in attitude of both Government and leading national media regarding the Catholic Church? Once sympathetic and harmonious, they are now aggressively hostile, not missing the slightest opportunity to make the ‘swipe’.
I resent Children’s Minister Kathleen Zappone dictating we go ‘fast track’ in transferring our schools away from religious control. Other countries never tripped over to facilitate Irish emigrants, and why should we be pressurised in meeting the needs of incoming ethnic groups – at the expense of upsetting our established religious education code? Teaching of religion as a subject has been an integral part of the Irish system. It is at this stage the seed is sown that cultivates character and lays the cultural and moral foundation for adulthood.
The Irish people made a colossal input to these schools. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin will capably deal with the issue of transfer of schools under Church patronage where necessary.
It’s established fact that the Catholic Church brings a better, happier and more sustainable life to over a billion people worldwide – why fear it?
The promotion of secularism as a replacement for Christianity or heeding an Irish Times wish that the Government express “a commitment to ending the privilege of religion in Ireland” – leaves a bleak future indeed.
Yours etc.,
James Gleeson,
Thurles, Co. Tipperary.