Sir,

I read Iftikhar Ahmad's letter (The Sofia Echo, September 28) and was a little perturbed.

Firstly, I believe that John Reid would have been referring to the need for more Roman Catholic schools, since in England the majority of the population would place themselves in the Catholic traditions of the English church.

 I do not agree with John Reid or anyone else who favours the introduction or continuance of single faith schools, since I believe that schools should not pursue a religiously orientated curriculum, but rather meet the personal and academic needs of young people and in this context, provide the opportunity for all young people to reach their full academic and personal potential, uninhibited by colour, race or creed.

It is also good for Iftikhar Ahmad to recognise that people who emigrate to Britain do so, in the main, of their own free will and therefore should be looking to assimilate themselves and their families in to the British culture. This does not mean that they or their children need to embrace the less desirable aspects of that or of their own culture, but rather inculcate attitudes and values that are acceptable to the majority of British people.

Pursuance of a particular religious code should be down to the individual and advice should be given by parents and other responsible adults as to what the particular codes or faiths mean in terms of personal freedoms. This is why English primary and comprehensive schools attempt to promote the need for tolerance of all religions.

Yours faithfully,

Peter L Knight MA
Priselci, Varna.