John D White (Oxford Mail letters, March 10) complains that Question 20 in the Census, “What is your religion?” is a leading question, in that it encourages people to give a positive answer.

But the alternative formulation he prefers is equally leading in a negative way.

“Do you regard yourself as belonging to any particular religion?” has strong connotations of adhering to some form of organised or ‘official’ set of beliefs.

A great many people may not be fully committed members of their local church, mosque, synagogue or temple, but nevertheless hold a firm (or even vague) belief in a divine presence that in certain ways influences their lives, and as such, they ‘have a religion’.

Therefore, unless one is entirely convinced that all of life has arisen spontaneously without the help of a creator or sustainer of some sort, then it would be illogical to choose the response “No religion” to the question.

And if you cannot identify with any of the religions listed, the option to choose would be “Any other religion”, possibly adding “I believe in a divine life force” or whatever seems appropriate.

Roderick Taylor, The Park, Cumnor, Oxford