I disagree with Mick Phythian (Letters, September 8) when he appears to support the recently- launched British Humanists' campaign against religious schools.

When will the world realise that religion is not, and never has been, the cause of war or any turmoil whatsoever?

No religion in the world allows killing. Christianity specifically teaches not to even strike back.

The troubles in Northern Ireland are nothing to do with genuine Catholics or Protestants, most of whom live peacefully side by side and have no interest in the conflict.

Northern Ireland is about terrorism and many terrorists have no interest in the peace process because it would interfere with their main objective, which is crime - prostitution, drugs, protection rackets. These are non-religious people who use religion as a convenient cover and far too many people fall for it.

The recent troubles in Bradford and Oldham, as quoted by Mr. Phythian, are about thugs - not religion.

Genuine Muslims who practice their own faith have no more interest in violence than do genuine Christians.

Do the British Humanists really believe that by abolishing religious schools the thugs and terrorists will simply go away?

Dream on!

Tony Taylor,

Grassholme,

Woodthorpe,

York.

Updated: 10:32 Tuesday, September 11, 2001