Sir – Many readers support the idea that all schoolchildren should learn about the world’s major religions, how much they have in common, and that, for communal wellbeing, all of us, should ‘live and let live’, regardless of personal beliefs, or lack of them.

Yet most of us are also aware that: 1: Our country is subsidising ever more “faith-specific” schools

2: Three-quarters of us agreed that the terminally ill Diane Pretty should have been allowed to terminate her life at the time of her choosing

3: The NHS is still diverting many millions of pounds into subsidising faith-based chaplains.

The reasons for these dichotomies are that, under the leadership of last three (Christian) PMs, ministers have repeatedly cited the 2001 census findings (that over 70 per cent of the country said it was Christian). And our unelected bishops have (to a man — none of them are yet, of course, women!) actively campaigned against [2].

This is why the lifestyles of many of those who like the concept of a “divine presence” that somehow “influences their lives” (but don’t find satisfaction in any established religion) should have ticked the “No religion” box, rather than the “Any other religion” box, in answer to the “What is your religion?” question in the 2011 census.

Roderick Taylor’s letter in your March 17 edition argues powerfully for ticking the “Any other religion” box but, for the very practical reasons discussed above, I’m sure he is ignoring the realities.

John D White, Chairman, Oxford Humanists, Chalgrove