I can’t talk about politics and the history of N.I. without first clarifying the differences between Catholics and Protestants. During The Troubles (which I’ll speak about more later) one side supported the union of N.I. with Britain, otherwise known as Unionists (or Loyalists) who were usually Protestant, and the other was opposed and wanted a United Ireland, also known as Nationalists (or Republicans,) who were usually Catholic. The hatred between each side is deep-rooted and has caused many horrific consequences over the years. Considering the amount of hate and trouble between each group, you’d think there would be more of a divide between them than there is. In reality, both are of the same faith, Christianity. They both believe in God etc, but they differ in that:
- For Protestants, the Bible is seen as God’s only book, where as Catholics also have the Holy Scripture.
- Catholics go to Mass, where they consume bread (the body of Christ) and wine (the blood of Christ), whereas Protestants go to Church, and believe God cannot be seen in anything physical.
- Catholics appoint a Pope and believe he is a successor of the Apostle Peter, where Protestants don’t.
While Protestants used to be in the majority in N.I., a 2011 survey shows that 48% of the population are Protestant, while 45% are Catholic, so it’s looking more and more likely that soon there will be a Catholic majority. During the Troubles and the years leading up to them, Catholics faced much discrimination with jobs and housing. Unfortunately, although progress has been made segregation is still a big issue, especially in parts of cities like Belfast, or schools (the integrated movement lost momentum over the years.) With segregated schools and communities, kids have little opportunity to meet children from the opposing community, which as you can imagine doesn’t help with the inbred hate and stigmas around mixing the two faiths. In fact, 109 peace walls (used to separate the two communities) still stand in N.I. today.
There are a few of us who try not to involve ourselves in this whole idea. I don’t believe we should judge anyone solely based on their beliefs, certainly not to the extent to hate or even harm them. I’m lucky to have grown up in a family that encouraged kindness and acceptance rather than ignorance and violence. Though my generation is making progress, we still have a long way to go, and I believe talking about it and spreading awareness is the way forward. Not just in preventing something like The Troubles occurring again, but in our backwards way of thinking, and our medieval laws and governing bodies.
https://www.dw.com/en/the-main-differences-between-catholics-and-protestants/a-37888597
time to change 