Protestant church leaders did not want to contradict Archbishop Eamon Martin

Well done Ben Lowry on his article on the Armagh ceremony (‘Centenary service should have celebrated Northern Ireland, ’ October 23, see link below).

My feeling is that it should not have been held as it was going to cause controversy and as he wrote, gave an opportunity to Archbishop Eamon Martin to moan about partition.

As Ben mentioned the Protestant leaders who spoke did not contradict the archbishop. There was no mention of the Catholic nationalist state and its denial of human rights and the pain and suffering of the ex-unionist minority in the 26 counties, whose numbers fell from 10% in 1911 to 3% today.

The BBC also disgraceful in its coverage.

Robin Bury, Toronto, Canada

• Ben Lowry Oct 23:Centenary church service should have celebrated Northern Ireland

• Other reactions to the lack of centenary events below, and beneath that information on how to subscribe to the News Letter

• David Campbell Oct 29: We need to make plans for a proper celebration of NI at 100

• Billy Kennedy: Queen’s absence left a huge void at centenary service

• Letter: The unionist approach to Northern Ireland’s centenary has been pathetic

• Letter: I’m sorry the Queen is unwell but do not regret the fact she missed the Armagh service

• Henry McDonald: Absence of Queen at centenary service was spun beyond credulity

• John Cushnahan: To those who distorted nature of centenary service — Shame on you!

• Doug Beattie: Sinn Fein incredibly small-minded over NI centenary event

• ‘Sinn Fein determined to start culture war with unionism’: Sir Jeffrey Donaldson

• Editorial Oct 22: Armagh centenary service was not a celebration of Northern Ireland

Editorial: Orange centenary parade plan is welcome but NI at 100 deserves many more events

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