This has happened several times now. I write a letter to The Dominion Post about abortion or on some issue of Christianity.

My letter doesn't appear - another does, usually more long-winded and not to the point.

Yesterday for example, Craig Richardson's letter on Parliament's prayer:

Hugh McMillan (Feb 24) calls the NZ parliamentary prayer meaningless and asks why is there a prayer at all? For a start, it is part of Parliament's tradition which reminds us of our own history, Our British and Maori heritage is not secular.

NZ's governing system is autonomous, it does not impost religion and with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (fourth article) we are guaranteed religious freedom.

However, this does not mean our government cannot call upon divine assistance, and indeed the majority of societies have always done this.

It is true that belief in the supernatural has become unfashionable, probably in part due to our government neglecting to include religious instruction in our national state school curriculum in 1877. As a result, we can tend to be a little ignorant.

If McMillan was (sic) taught the catechism he would know that God benefits nothing from our prayers. It is ourselves who benefit from being prayerful and reverent.

Now, mine on the same subject: