IFEEL Terry Moorby's vitriolic and rather sad remarks (Letters, January 11) demand a reply.

Ignoring the right of individuals and groups' rights of freedom to express their opinions (even Mr Moorby), he will find that the main reason for comments about the National Lottery by the 'church' were meant to be on behalf of those who perhaps spend more than they can afford and that it is perhaps not necessary to win the jackpot in order to achieve true happiness.

If this is patronising, then so be it.

Mr Moorby would benefit from reading another letter on the same page, from Charlotte Riley. He may then appreciate the real message of the 'church.' Thank God that there are people about who do not follow the "I" syndrome. Concerning his final point, I consider that the overwhelming majority of members of the Church live a happy, fulfilled and productive life and also have the faith to believe that this will lead to something better.

Yours - a christian and proud of it.

MIKE ADAMSON, Ashleigh Street, Darwen.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.