When I told the people of Northern Ireland that I was an atheist, a woman in the audience stood up and said, yes, but is it the God of the Catholics or the God of the Protestants in whom you don't believe?

Summary

This quote illustrates the deep religious divide and sectarian conflict that exists in Northern Ireland. The woman's response highlights the entrenched religious identity tied to Catholicism or Protestantism. Despite the speaker stating their atheism, the woman's question implies that even non-belief is often interpreted through the lens of these divided religious identities. It emphasizes how religious affiliations can shape people's perceptions and questions, contributing to the complex and sensitive nature of religious differences in Northern Ireland.

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