Bishop Philip wrote to clergy in our diocese last week regarding the passage of legislation relating to assisted suicide currently under debate.
The Bishop of Winchester, the Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, writes:
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As Parliament prepares to debate assisted suicide, I am writing to share my thoughts on the matter, and assure you of my prayers. I know that this topic is hugely emotive and touches us all in one way or another, both in our ministry and personally. If I or any of my colleagues can offer pastoral support to you around this and related issues, please do be in touch.
Not all of us in Winchester Diocese will agree on this matter. Indeed, within your own settings, there will be a diversity of opinion. This is a nuanced issue: in our ministry we often find ourselves walking alongside those who are experiencing pain. It is likely that we have encountered individuals with heartfelt reasons for being on opposite sides of this debate. Our compassion will extend to all, whatever our personal perspective.
Personally, however, I find myself deeply concerned by the move to legalise assisted suicide. Such concern echoes the General Synod which has twice voted, with a significant majority, against the legalisation of assisted suicide (2012 and 2022). This opposition has always been grounded in a concern for the welfare of the most vulnerable in society, for the widow, the orphan and the stranger – for the elderly, those living in poverty, those whose disability puts them at risk, and those in coercive relationships.
Advocates of assisted suicide tend to talk about this issue in the context of individual freedoms. However, I would rather frame it in terms of the impact it would have on the common good. I fear for what it would do to our palliative care services, to our hospices, and above all to the way we view and value the most vulnerable in our society.
Please do talk about these issues, read about them and, of course, pray about all of this. Colleagues have compiled a list of potential resources, which I include below. You may also feel moved to write to your MP, expressing your thoughts.
Regardless of where your deliberation takes you, know that I am praying for you: praying that as you consider what it means to minister to the sick and to prepare the dying for their death, you would better know the God who accompanies us through death and into new life.
With my love and best wishes, in Christ,
+Philip
Further Resources:
A Guide to Terminology
Overviews of Assisted Suicide
Podcasts
Further Theological Reflection
Invitation to Sign Open Letter
While not all will agree on this issue, there is an open letter that clergy (only) are being invited to sign, to express their concerns. It can be read here.
If any clergy would like to sign, please contact Revd Richard Bastable with your name, title, address and diocese: rbastable@gmail.com
