RECENT weeks have seen some disturbing events in the world - terrorist attacks in America, and then the uncertainty of what might come next. There have been many services and prayers for the dead, and for world peace. Is this a time when people turn to religion? Is faith like a crutch to help us through the bad times? That misses the heart of Christianity.

Faith can indeed help us in times of struggle - the knowledge that God is with us is important. More importantly faith is about the call of God to each one of us. This call often involves challenge and change, and it may lead us to question our normal response to events. Surely God calls us now to work for peace, reconciliation and justice, and to protect the innocent. When we see faith as being about the call of God, it becomes powerful, and can make a real difference.

REV RICHARD ROSOMAN, Holy Trinity, Malvern.