I SAW your paper today (October 29) and your main headline article 'Halloween is 'evil' time', and while I find the pastors stance somewhat darkly amusing, it is an issue with a serious side.

This attitude, which I am beginning to learn is actually more widespread than I had previously believed. For someone representing an institution that claims to hold values of "love thy neighbour" and of being "peace loving".

The Rev Bennett seems more skilled in the art of stirring up prejudice, distrust and hatred towards others. Am I alone in regarding this as somewhat hypocritical?

Alas, as for protecting children, all he has achieved is to create a demonised enemy, the children of whom will now be anything but protected.

There is a solution to this predicament. We are a civilized society and rather than paranoid and wild accusations, we should let reason and plain common sense prevail. I urge your readers to look into the facts for themselves - rather than allow themselves to be overwhelmed by attempts to undermine others.

Krystal Jasmine Garnett

Bromsgrove