I read the letter submitted by PM Maplethorpe, Porthleven, and would like if I may, to respond. 

Not everyone that chooses to celebrate St Piran's day or even Easter and Christmas, has a religious faith, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t know the story behind St Piran. Mr Maplethorpe refers to the sanctity of marriage and the moral and spiritual guidance for children. 

There are many people with no religious faith that are just as morally upstanding, if not more so, than some with a Christian faith. 

Some of the nicest, kindest, honest, patient and hardworking people in Porthleven (and elsewhere) have no religious faith. 

Mr Maplethorpe said: "It is time that religious leaders, teachers in the schools and politicians teach and promote those divine principles taught in God’s word the bible.” 

I believe teachers abide by the national curriculum, I think some politicians morals have a lot to be desired themselves, and as for religious leaders, there is a percentage of hypocrisy amidst some of the churches in my opinion. I don’t think anyone has the right to assume or expect, that all teachers, and politicians, should hold a religious faith or refer to a bible themselves, so for those that don’t, they can’t be expected to promote or preach from a bible. 

I do have a Christian faith, but sadly I think one of the problems within Christianity is the dogmatic approach of some, in trying to convey their own beliefs. I additionally think the constant pull for finances in some churches is a deterrent to attend, in some cases I think to the point where it seems like a subscription instead of a free will offering, which takes us back to about the 18th century where some of the poor were excluded from church. So as far as I am concerned, anyone is welcome to celebrate St Piran’s day whatever religious belief they have or none. 

Jen Pearce,
Porthleven