Rev Dr Donald Macdonald, Retired Professor of Practical Theology, Edinburgh Theological Seminary

In recent years there have been several attempts to legalise some form of euthanasia, usually assisted suicide, both at Westminster and in the Scottish Parliament. These have been backed by well-resourced bodies such as Dignity in Dying (formerly the Voluntary Euthanasia Society) with the endorsement of many celebrities and with expert use of the media. This has led to many Christians re-examining and questioning the traditional opposition of the church to any form of euthanasia.