A RECENT correspondent considered that many of this country’s problems could be attributed to the nation becoming more secular.

I disagree with this simplistic outlook. One only has to look to the US to observe a religious society, which is uncivilised and lacking in human charity.

I do think, however, that we have forgotten how to use good manners which, after all, is only a matter of showing each other respect and consideration.

My phone rang the other day and when I answered a female voice barked, “That’s not Sheila”. I agreed with the caller and repeated my home number whereupon she shouted, “That’s not the number I rang” and hung up.

A small but a significant incident that perfectly captures the absolute rudeness that some people exhibit on a routine basis.

VJ Connor, Bishop Auckland.