The capture of Saddam Hussein highlights again the peculiar beliefs of those who profess to follow a religion of any creed or persuasion.

From my limited knowledge of the New Testament, Christ undoubtedly expounds the language of forgiveness and "turning the other cheek".

It is therefore somewhat confusing to see the President of the United States, a man who wastes no opportunity to publicise his religious beliefs, on television calling for the tyrant to be executed.

I fear his ignorance of Christ's teachings can be bracketed together with his knowledge of middle eastern politics.

Meanwhile on this side of the Atlantic, another leader who also professes to follow the teachings of Christ, suggests the Iraqi people should be left to determine the dictator's fate in the sure knowledge that it will result in his being put to death.

Clearly this wasn't an option for Slobodan Milosevic, who would, even as we speak, be walking the streets of Belgrade but for a well-worked operation to get him to The Hague.

If for no other reason than to prevent the continual cycle of violence, Christ's teachings would appear pragmatic.

I have little sympathy for Saddam Hussein but feel my stomach turning with the hypocrisy that abounds in those self same western capitals who supplied the tyrant with weapons which were used in the Iran-Iraq war and the genocide of Halabja.

Meanwhile, our own Government is ploughing millions of pounds into the establishment of faith-based schools, apparently having no heed for what they have done to segregate communities in Northern Ireland.

If God exists, he (or she) must be wondering how the world has ended up with such a bunch in charge.

-Shaun Steer, Hove