Letter: Faith for all

Alan Hinnrich (Letters, 15 June) describes "Terry Pratchett's excellent documentary surrounding his decision about whether or not to end his own life without fear of relatives, who help him, being prosecuted". So far, I agree.

But I object to being dubbed a "dog-collared vampire", because, as a Church of Scotland minister, now retired, I don a dog collar as rarely as possible, and although I would accept the moniker of "oddball", I have graver doubts about being called "religious".

At the heart of the reformed Christian tradition is the sublime vision of the priesthood of all believers, so wonderfully inclusive, embracing Christians, heterosexual, gay and lesbian, embracing those Christians who believe in euthanasia and those who oppose the very concept.

Sadly, the Church of Scotland is divided just as deeply as society is on these issues and, indeed, many more. I sometimes wonder how the General Assembly can begin to represent the priesthood of all believers. Perhaps we should acknowledge there can never be a final decision, whatever the vote, and agree to differ, inclusively. What prompted me to write were Alan Hinnrich's comments about the Bible itself, for, while it may well be ancient, it is still, assuredly, still prophetic and we have all a lot of catching up to do with its vision - well written, but, I acknowledge, a distance away from the churches.

Ian Petrie

High Street East

Anstruther, Fife