Too many curbs put on us

In Turkey women can cover their heads and bodies, but not their faces. The flags fly proudly as they do in many countries.

In America, there is perhaps the most outward sign of patriotism. To be acknowledged by all is the flag and what it represents.

Here in the UK, particularly in England, we are becoming more and more obsessed with not causing offence to other cultures, that we have nothing or very little left to show of what we are.

"Stop the church bells", which rarely ring except on Sundays. "Stop Christmas", once a year, likewise Easter, though the eggs continue to be sold, but Palm Sunday and Good Friday parades may upset some people.

When I'm in other countries I respect their customs. I learn more and enjoy myself more that way, even if I can't take a glass of wine or a pork chop in some or a slice of beef in others, but here and rightly so, we try to make others feel at home.

However, I am starting to feel that I am no longer at home, when we get accused of intolerance after allowing all to worship in their own way, to wear their traditional clothes, to keep their festivals and other signs of their culture and religion, when ours have to be suppressed, no cross around our necks, no crib, no bells.

I am feeling that there are too many restrictions on me, a Christian in my own country, a member of the world enjoying its diversities throughout it, yet restricted in my own home.

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