Roy V Hilliard (Letters, September 16) suggests the West Pier Trust could help mankind "by directing its attention to saving churches in this area".

The basic role of a church is to promote religious faith and practice. History and contemporary experience demonstrate that the last thing humanity needs is religion. Those who do feel such a need should pay for it.

Many churches have already been converted to a useful purpose or sold. Diocese have been enriched by such deals.

Mr Hilliard's moving appeal on behalf of St Leonard's Church in New Church Road, Hove, won't wash. For too long the dear old C of E and similar bodies have plundered the public purse.

-WJ McIlroy, Hove