MR SHANNON'S true colours have finally been nailed to the mast. Firstly I did invite Mr Shannon, and any other person who should so wish, to attend a church service. Mr Shannon's excuse of, and I quote, "Like most, I had religion stuffed down my throat when I was too young to defend myself", is a common reply. But this fails to consider the possibility that the church has changed and has worked hard to go back to the teachings of Christ and spread the good news of love.

Mr Shannon's excuse also clearly shows how his judgement has been clouded by anger, which itself has been manifested through the ages in the persecution of Christians.

Secondly, and more importantly, Mr Shannon's deliberate misquote shows how the SPGB have used so called 'rational thought' to deliberately distort the truth. His letter (The Citizen: January 25) says "In Phil's words, I advise religious people not to underestimate the power of rationality for I have seen it change lives." What I did however say was that I have seen the power of prayer change lives. If the SPGB use this strategy often enough I guess they will contijue believing that they have the support of rational people like myself, instead of realising that, in truth, they really do need our prayers! On that point, I will continue in my prayers for the SPGB and urge local Christians to do the same.

Phil McGrath Bowerham Rd Lancaster