Rock of ages: BC or BCE?

Sir, – I note from a very interesting article on the Glendruid Dolmen that the tomb dates "from about 3,500BC" (News, March 14th).

BC (Before Christ), like AD (Anno Domini), are peculiarly Christian forms to mark the passage of time. Isn’t it odd that The Irish Times still uses this sectarian system rather than the more inclusive and non-discriminatory BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era)?

After all, the majority of people on the planet don’t recognise the said Dominus as their Lord.

Given the current debate on school patronage and the dominance of the Catholic Church, the usage seems culturally anachronistic, not suitable for 2022CE?

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– Yours, etc,

RAY LEONARD,

Blessington,

Co Wicklow.