SIR - There would be an uproar if a political party tried to use a mandate from the Anglican church to influence the congregation towards Conservative party candidates.

Involving religious representatives in political campaigning creates an unfair bias in which the power of individuals to sway the electorate is unduly inflated.

Violation of this principle is a gross, damning indictment of a person's respect for democracy and an insult to the voters whom they are trying to buy with religious kudos.

The article Mosque leader in election dispute' (Worcester News, May 2) says Bodrul Haque, leader of the city's Almedina Islamic Centre, was cited in an electioneering leaflet as recommending that the good people of Arboretum ward should vote Conservative. But Mr Haque says: "I said I would support the party myself, but I cannot tell other people how they should vote... I want to disassociate myself from the comments in their leaflet."

Whether or not he knew what the electioneers were planning or not, at the very least, he has backed down.

Councillor Allah Ditta on the other hand clearly has no regrets on the matter.

It is this Conservative councillor who apparently organised and produced the leaflet, and unlike Mr Haque, he is unapologetic.

Apparently he thinks it is perfectly acceptable to associate himself with religious leaders to win votes for his party.

Mixing religion and politics like this is no better than mixing race and politics: it is deeply unethical, socially divisive, and undemocratic.

Mr Ditta should face a full reprimand. He should apologise for violating a secular trust.

He should apologise for patronising the targeted Muslim voters of Arboretum. Then he should resign.

Bob Churchill, Worcester.