Non-religious?

Why didn't Mr Lau from Wiltshire Racial Equality (Letters extra, September 13) accept my invitation and attend our inaugural meeting, or visit us at www.communigate.co.uk/wilts/thenonreligiousparty before putting his pen to paper?

And why are all your letters from men? Are there no women with independent minds in west Wiltshire?

The record will show I have no objection to any group, religious or otherwise, raising money to set up a centre for itself. My objection is to the use of public funds to promote religion.

Had Mr Lau attended the meeting he would have followed the logic of the argument put forward

1. That we live in a modern democratic and plural society with people of many or no religion;

2. Likewise any religion is free to raise money, such as Durham cathedral selling its paintings, to promote its lawful causes and customs, such as St Michael's at Melksham saying "No" to yoga;

3. It is a misuse of tax payers' money for the political process to use public funds to promote any religion.

Nobody at the meeting disagreed with this.

The facts are that less than two per cent of the population regularly attends church today. It would follow that most of us belong to a non-religious party of some sort and shed the cloak at Christmas.

However, there may be a flaw in the argument and if so I am anxious to hear what it is. But it cannot properly be discussed through the local press.

It takes too long in a weekly newspaper; it limits the audience to the readers; and publication is stifled through the editorial process.

Mr Lau, I suggest you book a hall and invite 50 people who think the same as you and I will talk. We shall separate fact from opinion and they will support my proposal that religious favour be removed from politics. If you cannot get 50 people (I don't believe you can), then get 10; and if there are not 10, then I will talk to you. As one free thinking, independent and honest man would talk to another.

Hereticus,

The Non-Religious Party.

(real name & address supplied)