IN reply to Michael Haslam's views in 'Speak Easy' (LET, May 9), as a sinner who once turned away from God, I could write pages about why religion should not be banned.

OK, Sundays are no longer special. There is always more to do on a Sunday than taking just two hours to attend church and thank God for all he created. But I think those who do will all agree that Monday mornings are a bit more bearable with the Lord's help behind them.

Religion and, certainly, the Christian faith will never be banned regardless of individual and government opinion. Christianity has stood the test of time - 2,000 years. Jesus has changed the lives of too many people for anyone to ban it.

Gamaliel summed it up when Peter and Paul were brought before the council to be tried for inciting Christianity. "Leave them alone" he said "If their words come from man, this will die a natural death. If it is truly from God, nothing will stop it."

LENA TALBOT (Mrs), Duxbury Street, Darwen.

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