In good faith

"Faith in the future" (THES, March 21) provided a fascinating vignette of the religious scene in Britain. At a time of structural upheaval in our higher education system it is important that values do not focus exclusively on the financial.

As universities seem forced down the road of market-driven learning, what care is being taken of individuals who make up the system? Religion has a pivotal role to play in maintaining and nurturing a sense of community - student religious societies such as MethSoc, institutional celebration and worship, provision of pastoral care through chaplaincies etc.

Yet with a proliferation of religious organisations operating on campus, some that need exposing to robust scrutiny, universities are being faced with decisions on how to relate institutionally to such groups (eg within the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Principals working party on freedom of speech).

This is a task which I hope can be embarked upon in good faith by all concerned parties to the benefit of the sector as a whole.

Julian Lewis National Methodist Society coordinator