Sir,- Dr John Reid stated recently that "Northern Ireland must not become a cold house for Protestants". He is absolutely right. The only society worth creating is one that includes everyone.
There is, however, a certain reality that must be faced within unionism/Protestantism. There are elements within that tradition which bitterly resent the fact that Catholics/nationalists are now taking their rightful place as equal citizens.
The unionist working-class community, along with their nationalist counterparts, have suffered most appallingly through the years of violence and deprivation. Among working-class Protestants, at present, there is great dread, suspicion and mistrust.
Every effort must be made to alleviate any real fears that exist. That being said, some of the anxieties being expressed stem from a paranoia that is being fed and manipulated by political and "religious" extremists.
Certain influential figures within unionism have made a career out of playing on the prejudices and misgivings that exist towards Catholics. These have no intention of coming in from the cold.
They have turned their backs on every attempt at solving the deep-seated problems that exist. They have persistently striven to trip up the peace process every step of the way.
Wedded to their myopic political stance is a religious mentality of implacable anti-Catholicism - a world view in which they are God's elect, "separated" from the rest of humanity and steadfastly refusing to have fellowship with what they term, "the unfruitful works of darkness".
Those within the mainstream Protestant churches who are open to good relations with Catholics face an enormous battle. For example, "ecumenical" Protestant ministers are regularly denigrated as apostates and traitors in league with the "Roman Antichrist" .
The time has come for a more united society of both Catholics and Protestants to stand up to the bullies and bigots. There is no need to be afraid any more of their bellowing and belligerence. Although its construction is proving to be a complicated and painful process, a new Northern Ireland is slowly but surely coming into being.
There can be no turning back now. The new, more united community which we struggle to build will be a "cold house" only for those who choose to make it so for themselves. - Yours, etc.
Fr Patrick McCafferty, Sacred Heart, Belfast, 14.