Madam, – I note that the present troubles of the Catholic Church have presented another opportunity to those opposed to the daily broadcasting of the Angelus to campaign for its removal. Robin Bury, of The Reform Group, is the latest to enter the fray, perhaps not for the first time. I have great difficulty in understanding how Mr Bury and his colleagues in his group have come to the conclusion that the Angelus is anathema to a large number of Irish radio and TV listeners/viewers.
Has he carried out research into the matter and, if so, could he publicise it? I would also question how one can achieve balance and equity in Irish life by removing all traces or mention of religion from the airwaves. If we should get to that situation, which I accept is advocated by many high-profile members of our society with regular access to, if not actual control of the various media, where is the fairness to those who respect and practise their faiths?
I would contend that such a situation would reflect only the wishes and aspirations of atheists. That is not balance, in fact it would represent a total victory for atheism. Finally, I would question the use of the word “reform” in the title of Mr Bury’s group. Reform is defined as improvement, and I believe it is very much an open question as to whether the change sought by this group would represent an improvement. – Yours, etc,