Fighting Sectarianism With One Eye Closed.

When the subject of Sectarianism, or religious bigotry is aired in Glasgow, rarely, if ever does the subject of segregated schooling come under any level of scrutiny, despite those at the sharp end of such Projects as Sense over Sectarianism, or Nil By Mouth recounting their experiences of segregated education as a contributory factor towards Sectarianism

Alison Logan (Sense over Sectarianism)

"When I was a child I went to Craigbank Secondary School, as it was then, and the Catholic school Bellarmine was close by and there was always tension. "Part of that was territorial, but a lot of it was about 'we're us and they're them'. It was that Catholic/Protestant divide.”

Helen Miller (Nil By Mouth), 2003

“NIL BY MOUTH has stepped up its fight against bigotry in Scotland by appointing its first co-ordinator, Northern Ireland-born Helen Miller, who understands the issues only too well. SHEILA HAMILTON reports…..

….For most of her childhood, Helen, too, accepted the status quo. She was born and brought up in Coleraine, County Derry, and was 15 before she got to know young people from the same town who were from "the other side".

"It was segregated schools, segregated buses, segregated youth clubs," she shrugged. "You go to church and all the youth clubs are linked to that church and you never met any children from the other community."

The real shame is that sinister forces forced a position shift from Miller a year later in November 2004, following an interview on BBC Radio Scotland with NbM Trustee Peter McLean, who formerly worked for Celtic Football Club, wrote for the Catholic Herald and worked as spokesman for Cardinal Winning at Glasgow’s Archdiocese.

“With regards to your comments on the joint campus issue in North Lanarkshire, Nil by Mouth strongly support the principle of joint campus schools. We believe that joint campus schools can help to address the separation that currently exists in some communities. Joint campus schools give children from different religious and cultural backgrounds the opportunity to mix together and in a country where we have a diversity of faiths and a tradition of denominational schools, joint campus schools offer a way forward where religious diversity can be maintained in an inclusive and respectful environment.

Since joint campus schools are a relatively new phenomenon in Scotland Nil by Mouth recognise that there will be problems in the early stages as has been evident in North Lanarkshire. However, joint campus schools are going ahead in North Lanarkshire and this is something that Nil by Mouth view as positive. As the programme develops and teachers, children and parents settle into the new system they may decided to make changes in staff rooms, gates etc but for now the local authority appears to have consulted and negotiated a compromise to implement change the joint campus programme as sensitively as possible.”

Remember, that this is the “joint campus” in my previous post, where the RC Church fought against any shared aspect that would have resulted in children of different faiths actually talking to each other.

Quite what prompted the shift one will never know, but the untainted quote straight from her experiences compared with a policy of segregation cloaked under “joint” branding is radically different. I wonder why.

DJM

More Evidence of Celtic's IRA Support

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf2mRzUc2PA

Celtic's Sectarian Shame

This song seems to have sneaked under the radar. It's the Celtic support's disgusting homage to the Provisional IRA hunger strikers.

Unlike other Rebel songs, which apologists argue are from a "peaceful" period, this song has absolutely no defence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi5Q6EsbB-E

It has been sung with vigour this season and is now one of the most popular songs of the Celtic support, both home and away

Lyrics:

THE ROLL OF HONOUR 

Read the roll of honour for Ireland's bravest men 
We must be united in memory of the ten 
England you're a monster, don't think that you have won 
We will never be defeated while Ireland has such sons 

In those dreary H-Block cages ten brave young Irishmen lay 
Hungering for justice while their young lives ebbed away 
For their rights as Irish soldiers and to free their native land 
They stood beside their leader the gallant Bobby Sands 

Now they mourn Hughes in Bellaghy, Ray McCreish in Armagh's hill 
In those narrow streets of Derry they miss O'Hara still, 
They so proudly gave their young lives to break Britannia's hold 
Their names shall be remembered as history unfolds 

Chorus 

Through the war torn streets of Ulster the black flags did sadly wave 
To salute ten Irish martyrs, the bravest of the brave 
Joe McDonnell, Martin Hurson, Kevin Lynch, Kieran Doherty 
They gave their lives for freedom with Thomas McElwee 

Michael Devine from Derry you were the last to die 
With your nine brave companions, with the martyred dead you lie 
Your souls cry out "Remember, our deaths are not in vain 
Fight on and make our homeland a nation once again" 

Chorus

Archive: Catholic Church refuse to share a Door with Non Catholics

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3916941.stm

Church blocks shared campus plans

The Roman Catholic Church has withdrawn from plans to create seven shared campuses for Catholic and non-denominational primary schools. Discussions with North Lanarkshire Council have been ongoing for the last 18 months. But the Right Rev Joseph Devine, Bishop of Motherwell, said the church could not go ahead because of concerns the schools would lose their identity. Council Leader Jim McCabe said he was "bemused and disappointed". Bishop Devine said he had concluded that the council was not prepared to meet the needs of the Catholic community and guarantee the satisfactory provision of Catholic education. The church has expressed strong opposition to having too many shared facilities and common entrances. The bishop said: "From the outset of discussions, I expressed my deepest reservations about the council's intention to replace St Aloysius, a school of over 300 pupils, with a new building in which significant facilities would be shared with the non-denominational school." He added: "It has now become clear that North Lanarkshire Council is not prepared to make the design changes which the diocese has sought. "Accordingly, I have informed the council that it is pursuing a flawed policy in its determination to promote shared campus provision on this basis in these communities." Michael McGrath, director of the Scottish Catholic Education Service, said: "When the council eventually provided the building plans, it was clear that the council was determined to maximise the provision of shared facilities." An executive spokesman said: "The First Minister has received the letter from Bishop Joseph Devine and will reply in due course. "The Catholic Church has asked the executive, under Section 22D of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980, to satisfy itself that North Lanarkshire's proposals for joint campuses do not represent a "significant deterioration" in the position of denominational schools and provide suitable arrangements for religious instruction of the pupils affected by the proposals. CATHOLIC SCHOOLS AFFECTED St Aloysius, Chapelhall St Ignatius, Wishaw St Mary's, Caldercruix St David's, Plains St Kevin's, Bargeddie Our Lady and St Joseph, Glenboig St Patrick's, New Stevenston "We will therefore liaise further with North Lanarkshire Council. Council Leader Jim McCabe said: "I am surprised and disappointed at the Bishop's announcement. "Following my last meeting with Bishop Devine and his representatives, which was very constructive, there were real signs of a positive outcome to our discussions. "I now find myself bemused and disappointed. However, if the Bishop wishes to discuss this matter with me further, I will make myself available."

9 Years On What's Changed? Celtic & IRA Songs

Nothing. Only the names.

Celtic seek end to 'IRA chants'

The club appealed to fans to stop singing rebel songs

Celtic Football Club has made an unprecedented appeal to a "vocal minority" of its supporters to stop chanting IRA slogans during games. Ian McLeod, the club's chief executive, has written to more than 50,000 season ticket holders, asking for an end to the singing of the rebel songs.
The call comes after chanting by some Celtic fans during a minute's silence for the victims of the 11 September terrorist attacks.
In his letter, Mr McLeod urges fans not to support or condone such actions.

This action by a minority will undoubtedly lead to criticism of Celtic Football Club

Ian McLeod Celtic chief executive

The anti-sectarian group, Nil by Mouth, has welcomed the move but spokesman Peter McLean said the Old Firm could go further and ban the bigots.
"I think it's a step in the right direction and is to be commended," he said.
"However, Nil By Mouth would like to see Celtic and Rangers both go a step further and remove 10 supporters each time sectarian singing is heard en masse.
"Ban them from the grounds and publicise their actions as a deterrent to others."
Political beliefs
Mr McLeod said the problem was most obvious among a section of the Parkhead club's away support and made specific reference to the televised game with Motherwell last week.
He criticised the perception among some that a celebration of the club's Irish roots was in itself a sectarian act.
"We are a football club first and foremost and clearly it is not our position to dictate to anyone what their political beliefs or actions should or should not be," he writes.

The club is proud of its Irish roots

"However, it is equally our responsibility to ensure that the club, as a non-political organisation, retains its political independence by appealling to those who participate in such activities in the name of Celtic Football Club, to stop doing so."
The club and its fans should be proud of the Irish immigrants who helped create the club in the east end of Glasgow in 1888.
However, Mr McLeod also writes that the IRA chanting cannot be allowed to continue.
"This action by a minority will undoubtedly lead to criticism of Celtic Football Club and indeed has led to calls at Celtic Park (not for the first time) from Celtic supporters who do not share these political belifs but find themselves linked to them by association."
Campaign group
Mr McLeod said he had received many letters from concerned fans "that the club is used as a vehicle to promote political messages by this vocal minority".
Former Celtic director Michael Kelly said: "I think it's a landmark statement. The club has now been quite specific on where it stands on these political and sectarian matters.
"The club has never gone as far as this before."
In 2000 Cara Henderson, whose boyfriend was killed in a sectarian attack, teamed up with Celtic and Rangers football clubs in an attempt to end religious bigotry.

Peter McLean: "Ban the culprits"

She was 16 when Celtic fan Mark Scott was stabbed to death by a complete stranger as he walked home past a Rangers pub in Glasgow.
Nil By Mouth was launched in the summer of 2000 and has since received praise from Scotland's politicians and the Old Firm clubs.
Anti-sectarian campaigner Donald Gorrie, Liberal Democrat Central Scotland MSP, said: "It is entirely appropriate that the Celtic Football Club is calling for supporters to ensure they do not support or condone the chanting of sectarian songs and slogans at matches."
Scottish National Party justice spokeswoman Roseanna Cunningham also backed Celtic's move, describing sectarianism as a "blight on Scottish society".
She called on Rangers to make a similar move and urge its supporters not to sing sectarian songs.

Archive: Bishop Admits Sectarian Problem

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/2274383.stm

Bishop admits sectarian problem

Bishop Devine said Catholic education is divisive

Catholic education is "divisive" and contributes to the problem of "sectarianism", according to a Scottish bishop. But Joseph Devine, Bishop of Motherwell, told the Sunday Herald newspaper it was sometimes "a price worth paying".
Liberal Democrat MSP Donald Gorrie has said ending Catholic schooling would help ease sectarianism north of the border.
The Scottish Executive, police chiefs, racial equality campaigners and the Old Firm clubs have met this year to discuss the problem.

Donald Gorrie: Suggested end to segregation

Bishop Devine said: "Denominational education is an enabler of sectarianism.
"Roman Catholic schooling is divisive - sometimes it's a price worth paying.
"The Catholic community believes that with denominational schooling comes the creation of a common set of values - a coherent system that has the academic curriculum and moral and spiritual life in tandem."
Mr Gorrie said in February that "society might be better" if the Catholic schools system in Scotland was ended.
Kirk challenge
However, he said such a move could not be materialise until Catholics agreed it was the right course of action.
His comments prompted an angry reaction from John Oates, of the Catholic Education Commission.
Mr Oates said Catholic schools were the antithesis of bigotry and sectarianism, and to suggest otherwise was "insulting".
Scottish Tory MSP Brian Monteith challenged the Church of Scotland to consider promoting its own denominational schools.
Mr Monteith in June used used England as an example of a society which provided faith-based schools without the "tribal warfare" that exists north of the border.
Chants plea
Where Muslim schools exist, the relationship between different ethnic groups is far more harmonious, he said.
Last week, Celtic chief executive Ian McLeod wrote to supporters of the Glasgow club to appeal for an end to IRA chants during games.
In his letter, Mr McLeod urges fans not to support or condone such actions.
The anti-sectarian group, Nil by Mouth, has welcomed the move but spokesman Peter McLean said the Old Firm could go further and ban the bigots.

Statistics - Clarity Required

A well researched piece from a Rangers site, who don't often stray in to this territory

Sectarian Statistics - Clarity Required

Written by Opportunity Knox

Friday, 20 May 2011 14:28

Today, I will join the Roman Catholic Church in asking that the Scottish Government provide a detailed breakdown of Sectarian Crime statistics for the period 2010 to 2011. The Church has expressed anger at the rise in Sectarian Crime in Scotland over the last 18 months. http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Catholic-anger-at-growth-in.6770700.jp This comes just weeks after the figures were released by the Government as referred to here. http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/bomb-threats-vile-websites-songs-of-bloodlust-and-hate-1.1097708 Quite clearly, both reports are slanted to imply that the highest ratio of sectarian crime is by Protestants on Catholics, despite there being absolutely no evidence within the figures released to justify this. Indeed, the accompanying photograph in the Herald shows the Rangers support, but carries no picture of any other grouping of people. The message is clear. Indeed, the very appearance of an “angry” Catholic church in yesterday’s Scotsman at the recent rise in sectarian crime paints a picture. It sows the seed in your brain that the anger is due to the fact that the rise is in Anti Catholic crime. This is a great shame, as the finger pointing on sectarianism so prevalent in Scotland in recent decades has done nothing to eradicate the problem. Firstly, we should always put Sectarian Crime and associated offences in to perspective. In 2010/2011 there were 693 incidents of religiously motivated crimes/offences, which is 693 too many. In Context to the overall crime figures in Scotland though it is a miniscule problem, that is disproportionately reported in Scotland’s Media. Scotland’s total volume of reported crime and offences for the most recently reported period of 2009/2010 is 901,763 (source Scottish Government Crime Trends report). The percentage of sectarian crime of all crime in Scotland sits at 0.077% I’ll let that sink in. Then repeat it. The percentage of sectarian crime of all crime in Scotland sits at 0.077% Right, now the picture is starting to become clearer I’ll move on. There were more firearms offences in Scotland in 2009-2010 than Sectarian Crime (839) There were ten times more crimes of indecency than Sectarian Crime in the period (6548) There were six times more racially motivated crimes in Scotland than Sectarian (4513) The reportage of sectarian crime itself is an issue. As there has been no detailed breakdown of Sectarian Crime since the 2004-2005 period , the spin put on that set of statistics, which was misleading at the time, is becoming accepted as evidence that sectarian crime is a Protestant Problem. Perhaps those statistics should be revisited. Then, as now, the media allowed the RC Church to misrepresent the data, spin it, and effectively lie about the content of it. Lets recap. In that period, there were 726 cases. Of that 726, 64% were “Anti-catholic”, and 31% were “Anti-Protestant”. The reports that followed included the headlines “Catholics bear brunt of Sectarianism”, and “Catholics 5 times more likely than Protestants to be victims of Sectarianism” Given that no-one bothered to add context such as religious profiling within the Population these statements were wildly inaccurate, as were counter claims that 15.9 % of the Population (Catholics) could be responsible for 31% of all sectarian crime therefore twice as likely to commit sectarian crime than Protestants. The reality is that the vast majority of the sectarian offences and crimes took place in the West of Scotland. The population split in Glasgow and surrounding areas is closer to a 60/30/10 split, with 60% being nominally Protestant, 30% being nominally Catholic, and 10% being other, which almost exactly matches the ratio of Sectarian crime, ie that both sides are equally culpable. What this tells you is that Sectarianism is most certainly a two way street, but that there are agendas at work both from the Catholic Church in Scotland, and from the Media to present it as an Anti Catholic agenda. One can only wonder as to the motivation to do it. What do they have to gain by a) talking up sectarianism, and b) distorting the picture on it? The real shame is that the authorities’ reluctance to go in to detail allows the church and various talking heads to perpetuate an untruth, and keep the sectarianism gravy train running. It also allows Non Catholics to be demonised, which in itself is an act of bigotry It also allows Rangers Football club and their support to suffer as their club becomes “tarnished” by a taint that it does not deserve. The “fight” against “Sectarianism” has upped a gear in the last month once again with familiar faces from Jack McConnell to Jim Murphy to George Galloway to Peter Kearney to assembled agenda led activists at BBC Scotland all on the attack. If they were genuine in intent, they would recognise publicly the true ratio of sectarianism to Scottish Crime, the ratio of Anti Protestant and Anti Catholic crime, and recognise the real presence of sectarianism within the Celtic support, in the presence of support for the Sectarian Provisional IRA. Only Alex Salmond can wade in to this, and offer a real picture, although the funding of the SNP may well hinder the chances of that. Welcome to Scotland. One Country, Many Cultures. As long as the culture isn’t Protestant. OpportunityKnox