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Catholic Bishops of England, Wales, and Scotland unite in compassionate action to oppose Bill on assisted suicide

The Catholic Bishops of England, Wales and Scotland have issued a statement on Assisted Suicide ahead of the Second Reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

In it, the bishops explain exactly what 'compassion' means at the end of life - caring for and accompanying people, particularly during times of suffering.

The statement strongly defends the vulnerable in society who are at risk through this proposed legislation, and the bishops advocate for better funded palliative care to be consistently available to everyone in need in England, Wales, and Scotland. "People who are suffering need to know they are loved and valued. They need compassionate care, not assistance to end their lives," say the bishops. "Palliative care, with expert pain relief, and good human, spiritual, and pastoral support, is the right and best way to care for people towards the end of life."

They also assert that assisted suicide raises serious issues of principle that can't be ignored:

"The time given for Parliament to consider the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which will permit assisted suicide is woefully inadequate. Although the Bill indicates safeguards will be in place, the experience of other countries where assisted suicide has been introduced shows that such promised safeguards are soon forgotten. In Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada, and parts of the USA, the criteria for assisted suicide have been expanded significantly, in law or in practice, often to include people with mental illness and others who have no terminal diagnosis."

The bishops affirm the Catholic belief in human dignity and sanctity of life, but fear that a law that allows for assisted suicide could lead some to experience ‘a duty to die’:

"Some may well feel their continued existence is a burden to others, and, implicitly or explicitly, be pressured into assisted suicide. This includes people who are elderly, infirm, and living with disabilities. The protection of such people is the foundation of civilised society. It is at the heart of good government."

The bishops also express their concern that this Bill will fundamentally damage the relationship between medical staff and their patients. They fear it could lead to pressure on medical practitioners to recommend or facilitate such procedures:

"The impact on hospices, care homes, and those who work in social and community care cannot be underestimated. It will radically alter the ethos of trust and support which underpins our service to those in need and their families."

Finally, two weeks ahead of the debate and vote in parliament, the bishops urge Catholics and those who share our belief in the dignity and value of every human life, to contact their local MP to make their opposition known, asking him or her to oppose or not support the Bill.

Many bishops have issued pastoral letters on assisted suicide. You can find those promulgated by the Bishops of England and Wales here: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/category/cbcew/life-issues/assisted-suicide

Full statement

Be compassionate

As Catholic Bishops in England and Wales, and in Scotland, we believe that genuine compassion is under threat because of the attempts in Parliament to legalise assisted suicide. ‘Compassion’ means to enter into and share the suffering of another person. It means never giving up on anyone or abandoning them. It means loving them to the natural end of their life, even if and when they struggle to find meaning and purpose. Compassion means accompanying people, especially during sickness, disability, and old age. This kind of genuine compassion is witnessed through the care and respect we show to people with terminal illness as they complete their journey in this life.

We appeal to those who share our Catholic belief in human dignity and sanctity of life, including fellow Christians, other religious people, and people of reason and good will, to join with us in defending the weakest and most vulnerable who are at risk through this proposed legislation.

Life is a gift to be protected, especially when threatened by sickness and death. Palliative care, with expert pain relief, and good human, spiritual, and pastoral support, is the right and best way to care for people towards the end of life. More adequate funding and resources for hospices and palliative care teams authentically serve and honour our shared human dignity. In the discussion around assisted suicide, so much is made of freedom of choice and autonomy; but autonomy is not absolute and must always be placed within the context of the common good of society as a whole. People who are suffering need to know they are loved and valued. They need compassionate care, not assistance to end their lives.

Assisted suicide raises serious issues of principle. The time given for Parliament to consider the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which will permit assisted suicide is woefully inadequate. Although the Bill indicates safeguards will be in place, the experience of other countries where assisted suicide has been introduced shows that such promised safeguards are soon forgotten. In Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada, and parts of the USA, the criteria for assisted suicide have been expanded significantly, in law or in practice, often to include people with mental illness and others who have no terminal diagnosis. It is not always easy to predict the length of time a person with a terminal illness has to live, making this Bill unworkable.

We are alarmed by the impact that legalisation will have on the most vulnerable members of our society. The option to end life can quickly, and subtly, be experienced as a duty to die. Some may well feel their continued existence is a burden to others, and, implicitly or explicitly, be pressured into assisted suicide. This includes people who are elderly, infirm, and living with disabilities. The protection of such people is the foundation of civilised society. It is at the heart of good government.

We are also concerned that this Bill will fundamentally damage the relationship between medical practitioners and their patients. It will potentially lead to pressure on medical staff to recommend or facilitate such procedures. Will the right to conscientious objection for individuals and institutions be guaranteed? The impact on hospices, care homes, and those who work in social and community care cannot be underestimated. It will radically alter the ethos of trust and support which underpins our service to those in need and their families.

We urge all people of good will to oppose this legislation and, instead, to advocate for better funded palliative care which is consistently available to everyone in need in England, Wales, and Scotland. Please inform yourself and others about this issue and contact your Member of Parliament to make your opposition known, asking him or her to oppose or not support the Bill. 

As Catholic Bishops, we call upon all Catholics, and invite all those who share our Christian faith, to turn in prayer to God our Father. Please pray that the dignity of human life will be protected and defended. On the cross, Christ united Himself to every form of human suffering and every person who suffers. In Him, life is changed, not ended. He shows us, in His own crucified and risen body, that love is always stronger than death.

Parish Service of Remembrance

This will take place on Wednesday, 27 November, 7pm in St Mark’s church followed by refreshments in the annexe.  If you have a copy of a loved one’s Order of Service, we invite you to bring this along to the service and place it upon the altar.  All welcome.

What's On for our Young People



Young Adults

Young adults Advent retreat: Friday evening, 29 November until Sunday lunch, 1 December. Time to reflect, relax and make friends. St Joseph's Prayer Centre, Freshfield. Contact James for details on 07546 667 394 or djmoroney@cantab.net.

Youth Sunday

Youth Sunday is a day for the world to recognise and celebrate young people in our local church communities, whether that be through school, at home or of course, at church.

To highlight all that young people do and what we (Animate) offer young people across the diocese, Animate are holding a time of prayer at Lowe House (North Road, St Helens, WA10 2BE) on Sunday, 24 November at 5pm with social time to follow. Please do come along! The service is for everyone and is a chance to pray for and celebrate young people in the Church.

In order for Animate to continue to work with young people, the additional collection that weekend, goes to support the ongoing work of Youth Ministry in our diocese. Even in these difficult times, any contribution you are able to give would be welcomed. Gift Aid envelopes will be available at the back of church for those able to do so.

Youth 2000 Retreat

Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Preston PR2, Saturday, 7 December, 9am-9pm, ages 16-35, £20. The programme will include Holy Mass, talks, men's and women's sessions, small group discussion time and the evening will conclude with Reconciliation and a Eucharistic Healing Service. Lunch and dinner will be provided. To book www.youth2000.org.

Looking for a Late Catholic Gap Year?

Do you know anybody who is Catholic, aged around 18 to 22 and still not got anything lined up for the year ahead? Castlerigg Manor (the Diocese of Lancaster Retreat Centre, located in the Lake District) are still looking for young people to join their youth ministry internship scheme.  The scheme provides comprehensive training and experience as well as accommodation and food for the year, and a stipend each week.  Interested? Please visit: castleriggmanor.com or email Jack Regan – director@castleriggmanor.co.uk

Starting School September 2025 or Starting First Holy Communion Preparation September 2024/25?

If the above applies to you, please be aware that all children are required to produce a Baptism Certificate in order to be eligible.  We have limited availability so if you wish your child to receive the Sacrament of Baptism please attend a Baptism Registration meeting as soon as possible.

St Mark’s Parish Centre

Every Sunday, 7pm-10.30pm, Karaoke Night.

Save the Date!  New Year’s Eve, singer Dee Maycee, tickets £10 from the Parish Centre.

Liverpool Catholic Ramblers

The LCR Association is a rambling group now in its 97th year that is open to non Catholics and which conducts walks on Sundays throughout the year, which vary in length and physical demands.

All walks are led by experienced ramblers. A walks can be 10 to 15 miles and are for the more experienced ramblers, B are shorter and C are shorter still and can be 7 to 8 miles. Consideration is given in advance to the difficulty of the course, the terrain, whether stiles, steep hills, or busy roads are to be crossed and the numbers who may be expected to take part.



For more info contact:  Will Harris on 0151 486 6541 or email willharris33@btinternet.com

RCIA Meetings

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process given to us by the Church to initiate adults and older children into Christianity as it is lived within the Roman Catholic tradition.  Do you know anyone who wants to become a Catholic?  Whatever your starting point you are very welcome to come along.

This course has now started and takes place every Thursday, 7pm in St Mark’s annexe.  All enquiries to Deacon Peter Renwick on 07707 917 554.

The Big Picture

After the success of this course last year, we are planning on offering this again in the autumn.  Are you interested in deepening your faith?  Would you like to understand the Bible and God's Big Plan?  Take your faith journey further by digging into the scriptures and crying out to the Holy Spirit to unlock His plan.

The Big Picture is a bible sharing journey over 12 sessions with accompanying videos, book and group discussion. We will be doing this in the annexe at St Mark’s at a time to suit most people.  Leave your name and number with the parish office (486 3992) if you are interested.

Links to Access Livestream Masses

https://www.churchservices.tv/county/merseyside/

https://www.churchservices.tv/county/lancashire/

https://www.mcnmedia.tv/Cameras?Country=England&County=Lancashire