Sir, - In reply to Ms Mai Byrne's letter of November 11th, I would like to point out that pluralism in a State means the recognition of a plurality of religious traditions. It is the other side of the coin of religious freedom on which Governments pride themselves today. This recognition, of course, has to be positive, which means that the State must give each tradition the opportunity to grow and develop. It implies, and involves, more than mere tolerance.
The White Paper on Education indicates that Government policy recognising denominational education will continue. This is in no way a retrograde step, but a true expression of pluralism. I can see no basis for the horror which Ms Byrne expresses in regard to Section 37 (1) of the Employment Equality Act. Any attempt to remove this section would undermine Government policy and replace pluralism with secularism.
The discernment which Section 37 (1) allows to school authorities should cause no disquiet whatever to anyone promoting a pluralist society: it will cause disquiet only to those promoting secularism. - Yours, etc.,
Monsignor
Fair Street,
Drogheda.