Sir I was enraged by Dean Victor Griffin's article (April 15th) concerning the Church of Ireland. His weak moral fibre is symptomatic of the current malaise within the Church. May point out to the Dean that the Protestant tradition in this country is rooted in the industrious virtues of Victorian morals and self help. We owe our individuality and resilience to these entirely British values. The Church of Ireland has lost its sense of virtue, and also the courage to make an unpopular but just decision. The Protestant minister, who was willing to roll Lip his sleeves and assert the moral order, is gone.
Dean Griffin was determined not to make a moral judgement on the standoff, but sought his own people and their legitimate concerns. Perhaps Dean Griffin is unaware of the fact that the Protestant marches down Garvaghy Road were reduced from seven to just one, and that recent compromises by the Orangemen have resulted in a split in their own ranks. These compromises have been ignored, and in some cases exploited by the nationalist community.
It is Dean Victor Griffin's obligation, as a minister, to make the tough but correct moral judgement on this matter. Perhaps he will open up his Bible and realise that it takes courage and goodness to make an unpopular but justified moral decision. I will not be holding my breath. Yours, etc.,
Killiney, Co Dublin.