Sir, Allow me to help some letter-writers to see the value of denominational education, as opposed to secular education or mixed education. Schools, which have a specific religious ethos, be they Protestant, Jewish, Moslem or Catholic, have a third level of spiritual exercises, purposes and founder inspiration over and above academic teaching and culture/sporting training.
Hopefully, the personal example of the founder will convey to the children not only the difference between good and evil in personal, family and civil life, but also the active daily pursuit of virtue and holiness. Virtue and holiness are passions of love which will conquer the damaging passions of greed, violence, pride and indulgence in drink, drugs, sex and racist hatred which follow from the liberal agenda and hedonistic consumerism.
State leaders, who desire the common good of all the people must see that the love of God, as taught in denominational schools, makes an irreplacable contribution to human welfare. - Yours, etc.,
Headmaster, St Patrick's Academy, Dungannon, Co Tyrone.