Madam, - Bully for the new Presbyterian Moderator, Dr Ken Newell, for inviting Archbishop Brady to his installation ceremony. May the expansiveness and humility so clearly shown change the "chemistry" of Irish church relations.
Presbyterians, who helped shape Ireland from the 18th century with their learning and enlightenment, must now accept the ecumenical challenge to engage in deeper reflection and witness to that historic gospel we actually share.
One thing is for sure: Paisley and his fundamentalists are light years away from offering a radical gospel to the young people of Ulster. Reading about the education grade comparison in the same edition of The Irish Times, one shivers to think of any clever and normal Protestant students with their specialised A-Level grades being held back by static thinking and prejudice.
Perhaps the more widely based Leaving Certificate, with theology and humanities elevated, would help the good efforts of Dr Newell to shape a new enlightenment?
I look forward to welcoming him warmly to our 40-year-old ecumenical fellowship in Shannon for the annual Moderator's visit at Harvest. - Yours, etc.,
Rev Canon BOB HANNA, Church of Ireland, Ennis, Co Clare.