TIME TO BECOME MORE TOLERANT

IT seems to me we have never been able to come to grips with difference in
this country.

Most people object to Travellers living near them. People have an equal
dislike for centres for the treatment of drug addicts being located close
by. The prevailing attitude is "fine, as long as they are not on my
doorstep." Neither group is welcomed by the local community.

No one has the right to deny or challenge the most basic rights of any group
in the community. What about the community of faith? A society without good
works is dead. Drug addicts have the right to be treated and rehabilitated.

We are far too intolerant in this country. Both of these groups are citizens
of this State. What about cherishing all the people of the nation?

The Church is faced with a new society and with new opportunities. The
Church has to relate to where people are at. "Let justice roll down like
waters and righteousness like an ever flowing stream."

Michael Ruane
6, Upper Gardiner Street
Dublin 1