"Life is a gift and equally valuable even in times of suffering"
Bishops' Conference of England and Wales
"The Catholic Church believes and teaches that every life is valuable, regardless of one’s physical or mental state or ability. We are called to care for those who are suffering....."
John Wilson, Metropolitan Archbishop of Southwark
Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill
"Liam McArthur MSP introduced this Member’s Bill. It will allow terminally ill adults in Scotland, who are eligible, to lawfully request, and be provided with, assistance by health professionals to end their own life."
The Scottish Parliament
This Bill is at Stage 1 of the process to decide if it should become an Act.
The Bishops' Conference of Scotland responded to this Bill. They sent a letter to all Scotland's Catholics on the 25th April 2024. This pastoral letter was read out at all Masses on the 27th and 28th April 2024, in the 460 Catholic parishes throughout Scotland.
Bishop John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley also responded to the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.
The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales submitted evidence in January 2023 to the Health and Social Care Select Committee Inquiry into Assisted Suicide.
On Wednesday, 16 October 2024, the first reading of a new bill on assisted suicide tabled by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, will be heard in the House of Commons.
Bishop John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issues, on 4th October 2024 wrote
“The Catholic Church accompanies those suffering and nearing the end of their lives with hope and affection, but also reminds them that their life is precious until the very last breath,”
"In preparation for these challenging debates, let us offer our prayers for those facing the end of their lives, that they may receive the care and support they need to live their final days with respect for their dignity."
“Let us also pray for our politicians and our country that wisdom and compassion may guide their decisions."
Archbishop John Wilson, wrote a pastoral letter on the subject of Assisted Suicide to the Archdiocese of Southwark in March 2024.
Ending his pastoral letter, Archbishop John writes
"Dear brothers and sisters, you and me, every person, is created in the image and likeness of God, and is therefore deserving of respect and protection. As baptised followers of the Lord Jesus we must do all within our power to support the most vulnerable in our society, especially those who have no voice to speak for themselves. May God bless you always, and guide and strengthen you in your efforts to uphold, respect, and protect every human life from conception until natural death."
A pastoral letter on assisted suicide written by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales will be read in his diocese's churches on October 12–13.
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