assisted dying
I feel that the General Synod has a responsibility to show leadership by example especially in the turbulent times we find ourselves in today's world, the differing views on immigration, assisted dying, racism and parish life are huge topics that require careful observation and consideration in order to show that the views of all our populations are taken into account, including the views of those who are so often marginalised by society.
Synod has done excellent work in recent times: making public statements on national and global issues such as tackling poverty, promoting an increase in adult social care provision, opposing assisted dying, promoting social cohesion and constructive patriotism, speaking up for vulnerable groups minoritised by polarization of political discourse.
In July 2022 the Private Members Motion I introduced on Assisted Dying was debated with strong support for the motion being expressed from all sides.
There will, undoubtedly, continue to be ongoing debates about AI, assisted dying, and very probably issues of transgender rights.
General Synod has an important role, to which I would hope to contribute, on issues such as international aid, assisted dying, caring for creation, and climate change.
Upholding Biblical truth on life, death, sex and marriage I will continue to support the sanctity of life from conception to natural death, and I welcome the Church of England’s clear opposition to assisted dying.
so I will also support efforts to reduce the epidemic of loneliness, social isolation and existential distress prevalent in so many of our young people and congregations, help parishes to meet their environmental objectives whilst fully recognising the unique challenges they face with their historic buildings, and would also, I hope, contribute to important debates on social and biomedical ethics including those around poverty and exclusion, racial justice, Al, assisted dying, genetic modification, gender identity, spiritual abuse and climate change amongst so many others, so please do consider voting for me.
I have also spoken clearly in opposition to assisted dying, bringing a pastoral and theological perspective rooted in the dignity of human life, and in favour of the Parish structure.
We must also continue to respond faithfully to the outcome of the Living in Love and Faith process, loving and caring for all God’s people, as well as engage with wider societal challenges, including debates around assisted dying, poverty, health, and social policy.
This is particularly true with the current government’s ongoing determination to reintroduce the so-called Assisted Dying Bill.
The Assisted Dying Bill
I believe we should resist dangerous moves on assisted dying, while promoting a compassionate understanding of the dignity and sanctity of all human life.
For example, the renewed assisted dying bill currently passing through parliament, to which the church has a critical role in proclaiming the sanctity of human life.
This encourages me to write to our MP (and others) on issues of concern, such as the current Terminally Ill Assisted Dying Bill, and the Climate Emergency which is increasingly affecting many people, and especially those in developing countries.
that threaten to tear it apart: Safeguarding following the Makin Review; Living in Love &Faith (LLF); Vicars becoming an “endangered species” amid recruiting crisis; falling congregational numbers; lack of sufficient numbers of volunteers; Finances; care of creation; wars and conflicts; Contested Heritage and Reparation; Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI); assisted dying, abortion etc.
Members will also bring different convictions to difficult questions facing the Church, including mission, sexuality and relationships, safeguarding reform, clergy deployment, parish finance, racial justice, environmental responsibility, assisted dying, science and technology, and the relationship between national structures and local autonomy.
Assisted Dying and People With Disabilities (July 25) -I argued that proper palliative care needs to be offered equally to all, including those with disabilities.
I was once in favour of assisted dying, but I have changed my view having gained some knowledge of specific cases.
That experience has shaped my pastoral and theological awareness of vulnerability, suffering, disability, care, conscience, and the complex questions now being raised in society, including those around assisted dying.