Friday, November 29th, 2024 @ 2:46 pm
I am sure many of us followed the progress of the Palementary debate today and were deeply moved by the level of debate. Please find below a statement from Bishop John Sherrington on behalf of the Bishops Conference of England and Wales (C.B.C.E.W.). Before you read the statement, Bishop John encourages us to thank those MPs who voted against the proposed Bill and asks that we encourage them to continue their opposition to this dangerous Bill. It is important that we also provide pastoral support and prayer for those who feel more fearful after this decision made by parliment. I have embeded a link above to the Votes in Parliment page for your information.
For continued prayer for the dignity of life. Lord save your people.
Fr David
Bishop John Sherrington: Lead Bishop for Life Issues at the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales issues the following statement:
His Statement reads:
Following the decision of MPs to vote in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at the Second Reading today (29 November), Bishop John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issues, said:
“We are disappointed that MPs have voted in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill progressing through parliament. We believe that this bill is flawed in principle and also contains particular clauses that are of concern. We ask the Catholic community to pray that members of parliament will have the wisdom to reject this bill at a later stage in its progress.
“In addition to being opposed to the principle of assisted suicide, we are particularly concerned with clauses in the bill that prevent doctors from properly exercising conscientious objection, provide inadequate protection to hospices and care homes that do not wish to participate in assisted suicide and allow doctors to initiate conversations about assisted suicide. We ask that these voices be heard in the next stages of the Bill to strengthen the deep concerns about this proposed legislation.
“We have expressed the view, during this debate, that genuine compassion involves walking with those who need care, especially during sickness, disability and old age. The vocation to care is at the heart of the lives of so many people who look after their loved ones and is the sign of a truly compassionate society. It is essential that we nurture and renew the innate call that many people have to compassionately care for others.
“It remains the case that improving the quality and availability of palliative care offers the best pathway to reducing suffering at the end of life. We will continue to advocate for this and support those who work tirelessly to care for the dying in our hospices, hospitals and care homes.”