A chara, - In the recent past we, the undersigned clergy and religious, have all borne witness to the unspeakable pain and suffering inflicted upon the Catholic community in the Six Counties. We saw innocents deprived of their most fundamental right - the right to life - solely because of their religion. We are painfully aware of an almost desperate sense of isolation among our people. They feel betrayed, abandoned and vulnerable.
We are all too aware that the start of the "marching season" is imminent. We are aware too that there is a growing sense of dread amongst our people that they will again be forced to suffer the indignities and injustices inflicted upon them in past years. The rights and freedom of small Catholic communities, such as that on the Garvaghy Road, have invariably been sacrificed as the authorities caved in under "the greater threat".
We do not ask that others be deprived of their rights and liberties. We ask only that the authorities assess with honesty the continual deprivation of Catholic rights and act accordingly. Who among us can forget the poignant images of bloodied Mass-goers on the Garvaghy Road last July? These people deserved better.
Jesus Christ accorded equal treatment to all and it is in the name of Christianity that we appeal to those empowered to prevent constant repetition of injustices inflicted.
We feel that our communities have the inalienable right to live in peace and free of threat of fear. We feel strongly that they should not be beaten from the very areas occupied by them, and we ask that it be recognised that they are entitled to dignity and to their rights under the proper rule and enforcement of the law.
It is unthinkable that the approaching summer should again herald the fears and tensions which have characterised the past three years. Peace is too precious a commodity to be tramped underfoot by marching feet.
In the name, therefore, of all that is eight and just, we call upon the Secretary of State to ensure that our people are not brutalised and humiliated without mercy. They have suffered too much for too long and desperately need reassurance that they will be treated with humanity and justice and that they have the support of all right-thinking persons. - Yours, etc.,
Rev Colm Hayden, (on behalf of: Ben Hughes, Shane McCaughey, Pat McHugh, Anthony McLaverty, Joe McVeigh, John Moley, Joseph Quinn, Tomas Walsh, Des Wilson)
c/o Springhill, Belfast.