SIR - Mrs E Copson asked (Letters, October 26) why I said "thank God for atheism" and went on to ask why anybody would "thank God if they didn't believe in him".

I was being ironic, Mrs Copson, thanking God that there are people in the world who do not use "God's will" as an excuse for everything from earthquakes to suicide bombers.

Has there ever been a suicide bomber who hasn't killed in the name of God? Are earthquakes, tsunamis and hurricanes really the will of God?

I say again, thank God for those with alternative views, including atheists, agnostics and anybody not willing to be categorised for the satisfaction of others ! But which God am I thanking?

GARY WEBB,

Worcester.