Sir, - I was very disappointed to read Mgr Denis Faul's comment (October 6th) that "integrated schools are not a solution to any problem".
Evidence from various sources, including your recent article on Ulidia College in Whitehead, Co Antrim (Education & Living, September 28th) would suggest that integration of those from various faiths helps increase understanding and trust between these groups as well as dispelling myths created as a result of our segregated society.
Mgr Faul complains about "the denial of Catholic education", yet proposes a similar denial of the rights of Catholic parents to have their children educated with Protestants. Alliance believes in parental choice, whether that is for Catholic, state, Irish-language or integrated education. The estimated 30 per cent of parents who want integration are currently being denied that right and schools like Ulidia are not funded by the Government. Alliance will continue to oppose this.
In justification of his views Mgr Faul says that Catholic schools are needed to preserve a Catholic ethos and Irish culture. Surely it is the role of the Church and the parents to promote a particular religious ethos. Integrated schools promote a strong Christian ethos, which would be strengthened if many priests did not boycott them. On the issue of Irish culture, integrated schools could actually be seen to open up Irish culture to a wider audience from all faiths, as they include the Irish language, games, history, music and dancing on their curricula. Rather than just allowing Catholics to appreciate all that it means to be Irish, integration allows those from all backgrounds to discover their Irish heritage.
Although integrated schools may not solve all of our problems, they can help to increase tolerance and trust in our divided community, something which Mgr Faul's preferred education system has patently failed to do. - Yours, etc., Michael Long,
Alliance Youth Affairs Spokesperson, Quarry Corner, Dundonald, Belfast 16.