I WAS deeply saddened by the Rev Andy Kelso's letter (Advertiser, November 21) in which he claimed that "The lord of Paganism is Satan" and attempted to undermine the validity of other non-Christian faiths.

In his demonstration of ignorance and prejudice, he has shown only too clearly why we need an inter-faith forum in Redditch.

Such misunderstandings lead to intolerance, hatred and in some cases, violence.

We live in a multicultural age, not a dark age and should know by now that no-one has the monopoly on truth.

Paganism, in all its many forms, is a nature-based religion often honouring pre-Christian deities.

Satan, on the other hand, is a Christian representation of evil and has nothing whatsoever to do with Paganism.

In response to Mr Kelso's statement that the life and death of Jesus are unique, I would point out that Odin (Viking) and Osiris (Egyptian) were gods who died and rose again and that this motif appears frequently in pre-Christian nature-based religions.

Jesus is one religious figure among many and I would not question Andy Kelso's right to follow him.

There are many paths, many saviours, and Redditch is full of people who believe many different things.

We should celebrate our diversity - and our similarities - rather than trying to undermine one another.

I for one would welcome an opportunity for public debate.

Bryn Colvin

Redditch Pagan

via e-mail