IN his column, "Pacifism - it's simply immoral" (Echo, Oct 30), Peter Mullen seems to be saying this: Although war may be unpleasant, it is not only permissible, but actually our duty, to fight a just war. He quotes Matthew 10:34 in support of this view.

Mr Mullen's fatal weakness is generalisation and oversimplification of complex moral issues. The biggest problem here is what constitutes a "just" war. It's rarely as clear-cut as he would have us believe.

The problem with soldiers is that fighting is their job. Most will fight (whether they enjoy it or not) even if they doubt the war is just. Wars happen because our political masters know they can rely on the soldiers to do so. Mr Mullen clearly approves of this situation.

Finally, as a clergyman, Mr Mullen should be aware of the pitfalls of quoting the Scriptures. He should know that Matthew 10:34 is a troublesome text, open to more than one interpretation. Only rabid fundamentalists read it as literal truth.

He should take note that selective reading of the Bible leaves one open to the same criticism as is directed at those who quote the Koran in support of terrorism.

Paul Spence, Burnhope, Co Durham.

NOT wishing to be accused of being "pro" this or "anti" that, I couldn't help but wonder if Peter Mullen's concept of "pacifism is immoral"

(HAS, Oct 30) also includes those "we'd rather forget" parts of history in which Britain, or even the church, was the aggressor?

CT Riley, Spennymoor, Co Durham.

IN the second part of his article headed "We're all going to be poor"

(Echo, Oct 23), Peter Mullen - Chaplain to the Stock Exchange - again engages in a diatribe against the Government and in particular against Gordon Brown and the NHS.

Does he ever read the many letters in the Echo praising the NHS for the wonderful treatment people have had from doctors and nurses alike?

I went to a forum in the Dolphin Centre, Darlington, and met lots of people who care for and support the less fortunate in our society. I look at these people and then I think about the rubbish Mr Mullen writes for the Echo.

Isn't it time the Echo offered someone a chance to put the other point of view, in the interest of fairness? That's what the Echo is about, isn't it?

Hugh Pender, Darlington.