Dear Sir, as the ministers of the two Presbyterian Church Of Scotland Churches in Gourock, we were surprised and dismayed by the column written by our Provost Drew McKenzie concerning the Orange Order parade through Gourock.

Whether or not it was meant as satire or humour, it was ill judged and unwelcome.

One of the strengths of Gourock is the sense of community and neighbourliness at its heart, and part of that is the close working relationships of all the main denominational churches in the town.

We and our Roman Catholic colleague work together with our congregations in friendship and discipleship.

To have that unity tarnished by the acquiescence of the council by allowing the Orange Order march to take place and for the Provost to add his voice in such a badly chosen manner is very disappointing.

If the Orange Order wanted to march by all means let them march around the Battery Park a few times.

Gourock does not deserve nor wants sectarianism to be portrayed in such a way in our town.

Provost McKenzie has proved to be a good civic leader but in this instance he has let himself and many people of Inverclyde down.

Read more: Provost offers apology after Gourock Orange walk comments

His apology, while a welcome first step, does not fully absolve him from some of the hurt that he has caused.

Sectarianism, like racism, homophobia etc, needs to be challenged, not trivialised nor romanticised, and not given the appearance of being some sort of fun quaint local celebration.

Yours,

Rev. David W.G. Burt Minister Old Gourock & Ashton

Rev. Teri Peterson Minister St. John’s Parish Church