Cultural climate

I take issue with the characterisation of religion as anti-educational (Cult Of Religion, News, 17 December).
The subject of religion in schools is not dissimilar to other cultural studies including history, art and the media.
In the current climate where Middle Eastern conflict in the name of religion is so topical, it is important that young people are able to understand the plurality and history of religion.
Students and their parents should be free to choose whether or not to participate in religious studies. Choice was at the centre of previous policy for special religious studies.
But sadly, the state Labor Government has broken its promise and taken that choice away, and I hear Christmas carols are also on the hit list for next year.
Ashley Lodder,
Berwick.