Sir, - I was greatly heartened, on the one hand, to read Dr Richard Clarke's "Rite and Reason" article in today's Irish Times (December 10th). It is so refreshing to read a senior clergyman not only actively encouraging Christian unity, but demanding it on such solid grounds that without it we, as a so-called Christian Church, are lost. It was, on the other hand, somewhat depressing to realise how far we are from the ideal of unity and true Christianity. You could do a great service by republishing this article prominently on your front page.
How can we, as Christians, proclaim Christ's Gospel to others, including our own children and friends, when there is so much disunity separating us from each other? I know that there are some, perhaps many, clergy of all denominations striving for unity, or at least reasonable accommodations with denominations other than their own. Without any disrespect to these good people, it is clear that this is not enough.
It is up to the laity of all the Christian Churches in Ireland not only to encourage our clergy, but to take the lead in the march for unity. Obviously, there are differences in interpretation, some major and some minor. With go9d will on all sides and a true Christian spirit, surely it is possible to make progress.
As Dr Clarke has made clear, the time for action is now. Given the horrendous situation in the North, can we afford to waste any further time? I think not. I am not so naive as to believe that the task is an easy one. If it were, we would have been unified hundreds of years ago. But we must all be prepared to take risks for the sake of Christian peace and love. Perhaps it is no harm to remember that Jesus when on earth took the greatest risk with his own life for the salvation of all peoples.
I appeal to all Christians and indeed, everyone in Ireland, North and South, over the coming Christmas season to think of Christ's teachings, particularly in our dealings with others, and so help to foster a true spirit of Christianity as Christ himself would have practised it. I look forward to reading more from Dr Clarke on the subject. - Yours, etc.,
Novara Terrace, Bray, Co Wicklow.