Church, State separation must be made official

Incredibly for an island divided along religious lines for almost a century, nothing has been proposed by the constitutional convention around the separation of Church and State.

Two centuries ago the people of the USA saw fit to separate Church and State through the First Amendment to their constitution. This has resulted neither in the imposition of obstacles or restraints on either institution and benefits have flown to both institutions.

One of its authors, president J Madison, said: “The purpose of separation of Church and State is to keep, forever, from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe in blood for centuries.”

Politicians from the Republic turned their attention towards fixing problems in the North and peace was achieved because the Unionists surrendered much of their autonomy. However, mistrust and suspicion continues to plague the political landscape there due to justifiable fears of Home Rule. The obvious solution is separation of Church and State in both jurisdictions. As a first step may I suggest to politicians here that religious practices belong in churches and in their homes and not in Dail Eireann.

Pat Daly

Suncourt Estate

Midleton

Co Cork