"Pagan" is a word that was first used by the Romans to describe those of other religions. It's my belief this is a gross misuse of the word. The Pagans of the UK are the Christians and all other faiths not indigenous to the UK.

However, what other word would we use? There are so many pagan belief systems and why, because pagans in general think for themselves, they choose what they wish to believe and don't depend on books or theologians to tell them what they should or shouldn't believe. Ask 100 pagans the same question and you may well get 100 different answers.

I have been accused of having a "pick and choose" faith. As there are 33,000 registered Christians organisations to pick from I'm inclined to say, well yes I do pick and choose, but am hardly unique in doing so. And I would encourage it, "pick and choose" in my book means "free thinking".

Although many pagans do follow organised structuerd religions, many, like myself, follow their own path. I feel no need for instruction and feel I'm best left to my own devices. Naturally I read, listen and am often influenced by the views of others, to be any other way would suggest a very closed mind.

It is my deep regret that I see so many religious organisations, pagan or otherwise, being used to front purely humanist interests. We've seen this happen for political reasons, control of the populace, and for pure greed.