Sir, - In reply to Mr Robert Greacen's letter (May 10th) concerning Protestant values I must draw his attention to a number of issues. Firstly, it is the British influence as a great moral and civilising force which has drawn Ulster Protestants closer to the Lutheran theology and evangelical core of their teachings. This liberty and individualism within the Lutheran doctrine is clearly reflected in the principles of Victorian Britain.
The great Protestant trailblazers such as Henry Cooke and John Wesley have also engendered a constant renewal of fundamental Protestantism and have received greater attention among Ulster Protestants than in the Republic. This, along with the interference of papist Ireland in the affairs of Ulster has led to a hardening of attitudes and a closer appreciation of what it means to be Protestant.
Continuation of the union therefore, is imperative if the Protestant tradition in Ulster is to survive. One need only look to the Romeward trend of Protestants in the Republic to justify this stance.
The Orange marches throughout Ulster are an expression of this complex and threatened identity, both religious and cultural. The preservation of fundamental Protestantism and the union with Britain are integral to the Orange Order. Martin Luther and John Wesley were both vociferous fundamentalists, theologically opposed to Papism, and therefore aligned with the policies of Orangeism. To deny this would be absurd.
Ulster Protestants are deadlocked in a position of gradual intrusion by the Dublin Government on one hand, and a conniving British administration on the other. The perpetuation of Articles 2 and 3 of the Irish Constitution and the Northern Secretary's dubious partiality at Dunloy are but two examples. Therefore, the maintenance of a vigilant and passionate cultural and religious identity is essential. The Lutheran zeal and Victorian sensibilities which inspire Orangeism are the key to Protestant survival a lesson which Victor Griffin and his fellow turncoats would do well to heed. - Yours, etc.,
Killiney,
Co Dublin.