Secularists need to get their heads out of the sand and wake up to the real world. Religion has as much right to the public square as atheism does. This is about recognising people for who they are and what is important to them. Christian, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists have a right to a voice in the public square as any community has a right to it. Ignoring them or holding them in contempt will only serve to inflame the problem. Ignoring them and hoping they will all go away is naive and dangerous. Instead, there needs to be engagement and dialogue among communities so we can all learn to get along together. Michael McLoughlin, Kelowna, Canada

I am coming to realise that being a Christian or (as in my case) an atheist, in the UK, is to become a member of the oppressed majority. Government at various levels has bent over backwards to promote Ramandam and Diwali etc., whilst turning Christmas into Winterval or holiday season (which even the USA is backing away from). I am entreated, through the media and government, to tolerate the activities of members of religions who I do not agree with, whilst not having the same respect shown to my ideals, and now have the prospect of a big parade in London by Muslims protesting against cartoons not seen in this country. I am beginning to feel that I live in a foreign, and not necessarily pleasant, country, that used to be called Great Britain. David Leslie, Crieff

Religious and cultural celebrations should be welcomed, but the Government should not be spending taxpayers money on them. As for ignoring Christians, what about atheists and agnostics? C Smith, Poole

As a Christian, I do feel that it is unfair that more money is being spent on other religions' festivities than on Christian holidays. I fear that this has happened as a result of our politicians always wanting to be politically correct and having gone too far. However, I'd rather the money spent on all religious festivities - be they Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Sikh or any other - be spent in areas that will benefit everyone, regardless of their religion. Perfect candidates would be the NHS, police force and in education, to name a few. Ola Marki, Paris

I happen to identify most closely with the humanist ethic. So how many millions of public money are earmarked for making me, and kindred spirits, feel part of an inclusive society? Please, find a better use for the money. Colin Berry, Antibes, France

As a practising Catholic who can trace her ancestry in this country all the way back to 1066, I'd like to point out one small fact that is often ignored in all this hoo-hah about "integrating" religions. From the reformation to pretty much the middle of the last century Catholics in England were not exactly welcomed - blamed for the Great Fire of London, accused of being spies for Rome, banned from owning property - and still to this day from marrying into the royal family (in that royalty loses their place in the line of succession if they marry a Roman Catholic) and yet we are still here, living peacefully amongst you getting on with our business, as are many of my friends who are proud to be Jewish and also proud to be British. I don't pretend that either faiths have had an easy road to get to this point - but both have found success in this country by not thinking that they have a "right" to over rule the majority. Pandering to minorities for political gain only serves to make most of us bitter. Name and address withheld

It is important to distinguish between Government and Parliament. The latter has historically acknowledged its need of God's guidance, and the monarch, who is also Head of the Church of England, is forbidden even to enter the lower chamber. At times of crisis (e.g. in war) the Prime Minister has always invoked God's help on behalf of the Government and the nation. It is thus impossible for Government to stand aside entirely from religion. "Courting other faiths" is an exaggerated statement and if Christians are concerned at a lack of public profile, the remedy is in their own hands. Mary Oddi, Fernhurst

Religion and the State should be separated as happens in France and the United States. This means no religious representation in Government and no teaching of a particular faith in schools. Jonathan Allcock, Birmingham

I think that it is true that authorities spend more time marking religious festivals other than Christian hands. We have had a case of Christmas becoming Winterfest, supposedly not to alienate other faiths at this time, but is this reciprocated at Ramadan or Divali or Passover? I think not. They are discriminating against religions - this time Christianity. David Ferris, Leeds

Does this mean that only non-Christian minorities are important to the Government? Kieran Loughran, London

Government should separate itself entirely from religion. Reports like this will only stir up anger and bitterness among the Christian majority, who feel increasingly sidelined and victimised by New Labour and their silly PC policies. I am from Oldham, and have seen firsthand the disastrous effect of these policies. Government should leave religion well alone, especially as their meddling often seems like a desperate attempt to court votes. Hayley Donnellan, Oldham

Whenever the government interferes with anything, it is a disaster. Religion is a matter of personal belief. The government and the monarchy should keep their hands off. Vinay Mehra, Surrey