Like Marilyn Mason of the British Humanist Association, I feel outraged that Ruth Kelly has pledged more than half a billion pounds in building costs, to further promote faith schools (“Kelly pledges pound;550m for faith schools”, TES, May 6).
She said her faith would not interfere with her role as Education Secretary. This does not seem to be the case.
Schools selecting pupils on the basis of their belief in the supernatural, or their parents pretending to have a belief in the supernatural, does not seem to be a sensible way to proceed in the 21st-century.
The long-term consequences of encouraging faith education can be seen in Northern Ireland.
If Tony Blair really does want to listen to people he could start by listening more to humanists, atheists, agnostics and the majority of people who believe indoctrination is not a good idea.
Clive Bolton
62a Clewer Hill Road
Windsor
Berkshire
