Dear Clare Spearman,
 
As a former Cub Scout and Scout I was horrified to learn that George Pratt has been refused membership to 1st Midsomer Norton group for refusing to lie about his religious beliefs, and was stunned to discover that his treatment is in line with official policy. I grew up in North London, and for me the Scouts were an overtly inclusive community, where common social dividers such as race and social class were irrelevant. It saddens me deeply to learn that you are willing to discriminate against a child on the basis of her or his religious beliefs, or lack thereof. Most of my family are Christians, and just as I would never allow my children to become associated with a group that banned Muslims, Jews or Hindus, I can't see any earthly reason why it is any more acceptable to ban atheists and agnostics. I have fond memories of a forward looking, open, tolerant and progressive Scouting movement, memories now tarnished by the realisation that this may never have been the case.
 
I now live in [removed], and whilst no members of my family attend 1st Midsomer Norton, I can only ask as a former Scout that you reverse this decision and publically oppose the national policy of discrimination against non-religious children, which I sincerely hope you agree is profoundly unfair, intollerant and in stark opposition to the inclusive Scouting ethos.
 
Kind regards,