I was a little disappointed that my question about trains was not selected by the bishop of Woolwich for debate this evening. I was also disappointed that the church felt the need for prayers at the start of the meeting. I do not feel that this is appropriate or respectful for the members of the audience who did not intend to attend a prayer meeting.

The first question asked, which did not seem to come from the audience but from the bishop, was about belief in the 'Christian God'. The candidates were told that they did not need to answer the question (you have the right to remain silent...), but I feel that this is a highly inapproriate way to judge politicians. Are we expected to believe that a Sikh, Jew, Athiest or person of other belief would be a less good candidate simply because we do not share their faith? It would be a real shame if this country started voting on religious lines like in Northern Ireland or America.

In fairness to the churches the website does state that "We hope the forum will provide an opportunity to hear candidates' views on the moral dimensions of their parties' policies. It should also be possible to raise questions .... which should be of particular concern to Christians ...". Clearly this meeting was not primarily meant for me and other non-Christians. But I only have myself to blame as I did not read the detail on the website, I thought that we would be discussing local political issues rather than questions of belief in God. Personally I prefer not to muddle the two issues.

I hope that when the next general election is called that the Forest Hill Society will organise a hustings meeting where the questions are not skewed towards the religious convictions of the hosts.