Open worship

SIR – It was heartening to read about the rise of Christianity among young people (report, June 18). It is thought that church buildings played a considerable role in this resurgence.

The 14 churches on Romney Marsh in Kent are never locked. All churches should be open so that people can enter these sanctuaries of peace. John Doyle

President, The Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust

Rolvenden, Kent

SIR – In my local town (Gateshead) we have a large Jewish community, and I have noticed that schools, synagogues, public buildings and so on are now protected by private security guards.

Should this protection be expanded to cover all places of worship, this would give the impression that Britain is now a totalitarian state. Charles Fair

Gateshead