IT was good to read about the recent events that took place in our Parish Church, when C of E, Catholics, Hindus, Muslims and others, celebrated together at the Civic Service.

Muslims and Hindus read passages from the Quran and from the Hindu Scriptures. The Rev Michael Williams, Vicar of Bolton, says this has never happened before, as far as he knows.

Of course, as the Vicar also said, some Christians may find it strange, that these things should happen in our Parish Church. I have no doubt many others will feel the same, and view this piece of history in the making, through bigoted eyes.

But I have only admiration for the people responsible for this event, and for those taking part in it, and I fully agree with the Vicar when he says: "In order to work together, people of different religions do not have to agree on what they believe -- but we can respect one another and allow one another to honour God in our own way."

In a cosmopolitan town such as Bolton, our many religions and cultures should enr

ich all our lives. It is vital that we grow to understand and respect each other. These services could play a key role.

Brian Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove

Bolton