LAST week, coinciding with the most important week in the Christian church, Church of England Bishops complained of the marginalisation of Christianity within this country.

I gave it little thought until, over the weekend, two interesting examples of this marginalisation hit the headlines.

Firstly, the case of committed Christian nurse Shirley Chaplain who was taken off hospital wards and moved to a desk job because she refused to remove a symbol of her faith, a crucifix from around her neck.

Her employers considered this item to be a Health and Safety Issue.

Then there was the peculiar furore around the refusal of a Christian couple who run a bedand- breakfast business and declined to let a room to a homosexual pair because it offended their faith.

I accept that discrimination on grounds of race, disability or sexual orientation is illegal, however does one’s religious belief override the law? It certainly does if you are a Christian living in a Christian country.

I find it strange that Sikh school crossing wardens, police officers and motorcyclists can avoid recognised mandatory headgear because of their religion.

We are a multi-faith society, but Christianity is the majority religion in this country and must be respected as such.

Christians should not be discriminated against.

Colin T Mortimer, Pity Me.