Sir, - Father Patrick McCafferty and Steven King (November 30th, December 3rd and 5th) are to be congratulated for starting a discussion on the nature of sectarianism in the North of Ireland. Examining and tackling the roots of this particularly vicious mindset may contribute to the formation of a more just, equitable and stable society.
A mindset is conditioned by the level of support it receives. Evidence suggests that there is a degree of toleration of anti-Catholic bigotry within unionist political culture that is not paralleled within nationalism.
There is no contemporary equivalent on the nationalist/republican side to the Rev Ian Paisley, the Orange Order, attempts to prevent Catholics going to Mass (Harryville) or small Catholic children from going to school (Holy Cross). Similarly, the level of toleration that exists within unionist political culture for acts of gross sectarian hatred would be marginalised within nationalist political culture.
To be sure, there are always reasons advanced for the existence of such forms of sectarian bitterness as are seen within unionism and fault is often found on the opposing side of the political divide, which allegedly contributes to a sense of isolation, incomprehension and blind hatred. However, at the risk of appearing polemical, there are always reasons advanced for hatred that espouses racist or sectarian ideas. Many Germans attempted to justify anti-Semitic Nazi ideology by referring to the economic and political condition of Germany in the 1930s. The point is that, whatever the reasons, the response is completely unjust and utterly unjustifiable.
That is why I take issue with Steven King. He says that to accuse those on the unionist side of major responsibility for sectarianism is itself the product of a "sectarian mindset". However, Fr McCafferty used argument based on fact. Stephen King's accusation merely chills debate since it is advanced without evidence. There is scope for robust argument, but I suggest it should be based on evidence and not on quotation from holy books.
What would be welcome would be some sign on the unionist side of implacable political hostility to sectarian behaviour as it arises. This was not evident in the Harryville anti-Mass protest and was not evident outside Holy Cross School.
The arrival on the scene of Protestants who actively campaign against sectarianism, who see it as a blight on the political and religious landscape, and who are prepared to stand as witness would be a step forward. It is a difficult step precisely because of the degree of intolerance within many of the communities in which Northern Protestants live. That, however, is the real challenge. - Yours, etc.,
Mick Finnegan, Bannow Road, Dublin 7.