Sir, – Rev Patrick Burke (August 11th) is correct that secularism is not value-neutral, but he is mistaken to suggest that secularism gives pre-eminence to the beliefs of a minority. Among the values that secularists promote are the equal right of everyone to freedom of conscience, religion and belief, and to equality before the law without discrimination.
It is the State itself that should be secular. The people will remain pluralist, believing whatever they believe.
Indeed a secular State, promoting neither religion nor atheism, is the best way to protect the pluralism of the people. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL NUGENT,
Atheist Ireland,
Drumcondra,
Dublin 9.
Sir, – Muireann Lynch (August 14th) makes an interesting point that admission to religious-controlled schools could be based on church participation. The logical extension is that using the German system and applying it to education, a "church tax" could be collected by the Revenue Commissioners and allocated to churches to fund their schools.
This would leave existing revenue available to fund state schools that could treat children and parents equally and fairly without discrimination. – Yours, etc,
ANDREW DOYLE,
Bandon,
Co Cork.
Sir, – Muireann Lynch’s suggestion would mean schools propping up religion as well as faith groups propping up the State’s education system.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to have faith in our education system. – Yours, etc,
MICHELE SAVAGE,
Dublin 12.