Faith leaders unite to oppose Assisted Dying Bill

The Church in Wales bishops have joined other faith leaders in Wales in a powerful statement against the proposed Assisted Dying Bill, which is being debated in Parliament. If passed, the legislation would allow doctors to provide lethal drugs to individuals with incurable illnesses, effectively legalising physician-assisted suicide.

The statement focuses on the "common heritage" of the different faiths to care for people who are vulnerable, sick or dying. The leaders write, "This is why we feel we must speak together against the proposed legislation. Compassion is at the heart of all the great world religions. Life is sacred."

It is signed by representatives from diverse faith traditions in Wales, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh communities.

They warn that legalising physician-assisted suicide poses dangers to society's most vulnerable people. Drawing on evidence from other countries, such as Canada, Belgium, and the Netherlands, they caution that similar laws have led to the criteria for assisted suicide being broadened over time.

“The most vulnerable can no longer presume on the balance of healthcare being in their favour,” they explain. “Instead of helping those in need, such laws risk encouraging them to end their lives.”

The statement also raises concerns about the societal impact of the Bill, particularly on those who are elderly, disabled, or have serious illnesses.

“If this Bill were to be passed, many would feel insecure about the future and conclude that they are a burden on loved ones and the health service,” the leaders warn. “We must treasure and value these individuals among us.”

The faith leaders call on MPs and members of the public to reject the Bill. They urge the promotion of compassionate care for the dying and emphasise the importance of a society where every individual is valued and supported.

“This Bill raises serious questions about what sort of society we want to be,” they write. “We urge everyone to take action by contacting their MPs to express their opposition to this dangerous legislation.”

The full statement follows.

A bill has been introduced to Parliament which allows doctors to supply lethal drugs to people with an incurable illness, in effect physician-assisted suicide.

As people of faith, we share a common heritage of caring for the vulnerable, the sick and dying. This is why we feel we must speak together against the proposed legislation. Compassion is at the heart of all the great world religions. Life is sacred.

We address our message more widely, to all people of goodwill, because the proposals for physician-assisted suicide are not just contrary to the dignity and sanctity of life, they pose grave dangers to vulnerable people.

Compassion is at the heart of all the great world religions. Life is sacred.

Cherishing life means building a society where every person is included and the diversity of individuals is not seen as a burden. If the Bill becomes law, the experience of countries such as Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands shows that the most vulnerable can no longer presume on the balance of healthcare being in their favour. The criteria for assisted suicide become widened to include groups of people who need society’s help, rather than assistance in ending their lives.

We raise our voices to remind legislators of the inherent dignity of every person, especially in relation to those who are disabled, elderly or vulnerable. If this Bill were to be passed, many would feel insecure about the future and conclude that they are a burden on loved ones and the health service. We must treasure and value these individuals among us.

The new Bill marks a very serious moment for our country. It raises serious questions about what sort of society we want to be. Especially of concern is whether we will continue to promote a proper care of the dying, and of those who are vulnerable through disability or age. It is good to see that those opposed to a change in the law includes a diverse group of medical professionals (especially, but not only, from the field of palliative care), disability rights organisations, researchers, carers and a range of other concerned institutions.

We urge you write to, or email, your local MP, to express your concerns about the proposed bill.

Signed:

Representing the Roman Catholic Church in Wales

Archbishop Mark O’Toole, Archbishop of Cardiff-Menevia

Bishop Peter Brignall, Bishop of Wrexham

Representing the Church in Wales

The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John

The Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron

The Bishop of Monmouth, Cherry Vann

The Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, John Lomas

The Bishop of Llandaff, Mary Stallard

The Bishop of St Davids, Dorrien Davies

The Bishop of Bardsey, David Morris

Representing the Evangelical Alliance in Wales, Tim Rowlands

Representing the Cardiff United Synagogue, Rabbi Michoel Rose

Representing the South Wales Jewish Representative Council, Laurence Kahn

Representing the Muslim Council of Wales, Dr Abdul-Azim Ahmed

Representing the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Wales, Imam Usman Manan

Representing the Sikh Council of Wales, Gurmit Singh Randhawa MBE

Representing the Hindu Council of Wales, Dr Sakti Guha Niyogi