Madam, - A tenet of humanism is that religion should be kept separate from the state. On this basis the Humanist Association of Ireland welcomes the commencement of accession negotiations between Turkey and the European Union.
Modern-day Turkey and the EU spring from equally rich but different religious traditions. Each also has followed the path of secularism - a strict separation of religion from the state - to the benefit all citizens.
With the edges of this divide between religion and state being wilfully blurred in many regions of the world, including Europe itself, the HAI believes secularism to be the only workable model that would accommodate Turkey within the EU if its bid should prove successful. Demands that religion (often in the guise of "tradition") should form an integral part of public life should be ignored and religion should be restricted to the private sphere.
In this way a neutral political space can be created, one in which EU citizens of all religions and none can share and celebrate their common humanity. The nurturing of an awareness of a common human heritage is sufficient for people to act in concert for mutual enrichment, and also for them to gain the strength and support required to tackle the enormous problems that currently face humanity. - Yours, etc,
DICK SPICER, Vice Chairperson, Humanist Association of Ireland, Bray, Co Wicklow.