WHEN Tony Taylor takes Julian Cole to task suggesting that as a taxpayer he has a right to a religious school for his children (February 13), he is being simplistic. His argument, if taken to its logical end, means that this right applies to everyone from animist to Zen Buddhist. It is a much easier idea to drop it altogether, rather than pander to some.

As someone indirectly involved in religious education I can confirm that the intention of local education authorities is to teach about other faiths than Christianity, in state schools at least. However if one reads OFSTED or, in the case of religious schools, inspection reports, you discover classes are not quite so balanced.

To say religion is just as much a fact of life as maths or English is rubbish! Everyone agrees that 2+2=4 but few of those with a religion can agree which deity is the right one or prove its existence.

Let us try to prevent further divisions in society by not creating more religious schools and ideally keep church, state and education separate.

Mick Phythian,

Monkton Road,

York.

...JULIAN Cole would like to see religion banned from schools (February 7). His idea of religion is hell and damnation, how sad.

People confuse religion with culture, even going to different churches or supporting football teams etc. Religion is not an art nor a science; it is a life. It is not the mere learning and following of a set of rules, but being a Christian.

Being a Christian is to have Christ likeness in the heart, to have love, respect, understanding and kindness for one another, to look at our own faults and failings first, before we condemn others so freely, to have morals and scruples, and keep the commandments.

So how can we avoid teaching this in schools?

Joyce Kilmartin,

Springfield Court, York.

Updated: 10:49 Monday, February 18, 2002