Religion

He states that “One person’s unnatural death diminishes all those who observe it.”.

Does he realise that, thanks to many years of medical advancements, these suffering people have been kept alive for many years through ‘unnatural’ means?

I firmly believe that if a person who is afflicted with a terrible condition wishes to prolong their life through medical means then they should be able to do so.

Similarly, I think that somebody who wishes to end their suffering (and that of their loved ones) at Dignitas should be able to.

I wonder if Rev Mullen’s God considers prolonging somebody’s life beyond natural boundaries as abhorrent as somebody choosing to end their life on their own terms.

Maybe if people like Peter Mullen stop allowing their entire existence to be dictated by their imaginary friends the human race can progress to a much more logical and sensible place.

My deepest sympathies and warmest love to all who are, or have been, affected by lifethreatening and degenerative medical conditions.

Bob Walker, Bishop Auckland.

DOES the Reverent Mullen not realise that it is religious bigots like him who force people to resort to Dignitas instead of dying peacefully in their own beds, surrounded by their friends and family?

I am sure he objects to the Taliban punishing men who don’t grow beards as God intended.

And I am sure he disapproves of them preventing women from being educated. Or left to starve in their own homes because they have no man to accompany them in the street.

This is based upon their sincere belief in the ancient writings of a man I am sure Rev Mullen considers a false prophet.

However, he insists on forcing me to live by the 2,000-year-old writings about a man the Jews consider a false prophet and which I believe to be superstitious rubbish.

It is my life and I should be allowed to end it as I wish.

I should not be forced to live in pain or endure the indignity of a helpless, and often mindless, state against my wishes.

Tom Cooper, Durham City.