Sir, The Presbyterian Moderator, Dr Allen, conveys hope that his church can give a real prophetic lead amid the sort of blind ignorance, paranoia and arrogance shown by his critics the Young Unionists. The real Gospel proclaims penitence and humility with healing a result.
The Moderator's brave challenge for truth, plus the publication of Professor Bowyer Bell's brilliant and perceptive analysis of the Ulster mindset, made it a good weekend. Until, that is, the careful rhetoric of David Ervine poured out like yet another dark Atlantic cloud this summer, the hopeless, paranoical language justifying tribal violence. In what marked contrast lay the quick response of the open door for talking by the Taoiseach.
As someone who, like the Moderator, grew up not far from the Fields of Drumcree, I congratulate him on his stand for a radical Christian approach to community relations and a truer and more solid citizenship. Yours, etc., St. Columba's History, Ennis, Co. Clare.