Madam, - As a proponent of secular education I find the comments of Archbishop Seán Brady, as quoted in last Saturday's edition, deeply offensive.
In particular, his statement regarding Catholic schools - "We do not abandon children to the 'whatever you think yourself' approach to morality so often associated with a purely secular or state-based education" - betrays a disconcerting ignorance and intolerance of the beliefs of others.
Morality is a concept entirely independent of religion, and it is neither the intention nor the case that secular education 'abandons' children to an indifferent moral state. Such sweeping generalisations are distinctly at odds with the culture of "peace, justice and respect" which the Archbishop claims will be engendered by Catholic education. - Yours, etc,
K. MURPHY, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Madam, - Brendan Butler (September 21st) supports the view that all will be well if the Church retreats out of schools. This, however, advances a false reality - in fact a dream. Does he really think that this would give hope to those who see a constant assault not only on the Church, but even on its right to even exist?
Let us not forget the words of Dr Vincent Twomey's recent homily at Knock - that there are those who wish the Catholic to remain in the sacristy and stay there. Sad to say, it seems that this is what Sr Kennedy and Mr Butler would want.
The fact remains that Catholics should express the faith not only in private, but in public (such as in the work of Sr Kennedy) and that should be shown not in a state of perpetual retreat, but as a constant offensive.
Would you expect Muslim schools to back off, just as Catholic schools are now being urged to? May all Catholics take a leaf out of their books in this continual struggle for their right to exist. - Is mise,
Fr JOHN McCALLION, Coalisland, Co Tyrone.
Madam, - Niall O'Donoghue's evaluation of the secular school system in Finland (September 22nd) is apt. The same model, which excludes all religious involvement in state schools, is in use in France and the US.
If it can serve these two substantially if not perfectly integrated societies, with a combined population of 361 million people, it can also work well here in Ireland. - Yours, etc,
SEAMUS McKENNA, Farrenboley Park, Windy Arbour, Dublin 14.