RECENTLY, eight foreign aid workers were arrested in Afghanistan, charged with promoting Christianity.

They protested their innocence. But, even if it was true, surely this is no ground for arrest. Christians, Moslems, Hindus and members of other Faiths ought to be free to persuade others of the truth of their beliefs.

Neither the state, nor the community, nor the family should use force to try to keep the faith of their citizens or children intact. Persuasion Yes, force No.

In the past the Christian church has used force to try to compel people to believe. Sometimes this has been naked force, such as with the Conquistadors in South America. Sometimes it has been more subtle; for example, at one time you could not be an MP in this country unless you were a member of the Church of England.

One important theme in religious faith is obedience. But no one can be truly obedient unless the obedience is freely given. Parents cannot force their children to believe and states should not try to force their citizens.

Different

I can see nothing wrong with trying to persuade another person that my belief is true. Indeed I respect other people when they try to persuade me to a different point of view. But persuasion should not be allowed to degenerate into force.

I realise that some will criticise me for holding what they will see as a Western Liberal perspective. Some will say that my criticism of the Afghan government is naive. But I reject that. True devotion in any Faith has to be freely given.

I try to work for a society in Britain where every Faith is free to promote its way of life openly. Where people can try to persuade one another to a different point of view.

Persuasion itself also has to be watched. If we try to persuade very vulnerable people of the truth of our Faith, they may agree with us just because they are vulnerable. It is only appropriate to try to win others over to our point of view when there is genuine respect between people.

Michael Williams, Vicar of Bolton Parish Church