25 October 2024
The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani has written a pastoral letter to church leaders across Chelmsford Diocese about the Terminally Ill Adults (end of life) Bill.
Dear Friends,
You will be aware, I’m sure, that Parliament is preparing once again to debate the topic of assisted suicide. MPs last voted on assisted dying in 2015 and that bill was rejected by a significant majority. Now, Labour MP, Kim Leadbeater, has brought a Private Members Motion – The Terminally Ill Adults (end of life) Bill - which is due to be debated in the House of Commons on 29th November. The text of the bill has not yet been published, but its title states that it would “allow adults who are terminally ill, subject to safeguards and protections, to request and be provided with assistance to end their own life”.
I’m aware that this is a hugely emotive subject and, as the media attention turns more towards Westminster, many of us will find ourselves reflecting on our own experiences, both in ministry and in our personal lives, as we have watched, waited and prayed by the bedside of those approaching the final stages of their life. We may well also be asking, what, if anything, is the role of the Church in this debate.
Not all of us will agree on this matter. There is most probably a wide range of views as we are each likely to have been shaped by our own experiences. The questions are immensely complicated and there may well be those who are not entirely sure what they think. In this context, it feels important to share with you my own thoughts and to say that, as I’ve reflected on my experiences, I have found myself increasingly concerned by the moves towards legalising assisted suicide. I have pondered, in particular, on memories of my mother’s death almost exactly eight years ago in October 2016. She had moved in with us three months earlier and we did our best, together with the NHS end of life care team, to support her in the final stages. As the end grew nearer, it was a painful time but also one that included moments of joy and blessing. Looking back, I recall how difficult it was, not only watching my mother grow weaker but seeing her suffer. And yet, it was also a privilege to be alongside her in that way – it strangely strengthened our relationship and I learned a great deal about my own capacity (and indeed my shortcomings) for being tender and gentle in the face of such vulnerability.
You may well remember that in recent times General Synod has twice voted (in 2012 and 2022), with a significant majority, against legislation for assisted suicide. Christian opposition has always been rooted in concern for the welfare of those who are most vulnerable in society – the elderly, those living in poverty, those whose disabilities may put them at greater risk, those in coercive or abusive relationships, those who might feel pressured into making a decision because they feel they are a burden to others.
I have no doubt that everyone in this debate is motivated by the desire to alleviate suffering and that we would all want to see improvements in palliative care whatever the result of the parliamentary vote. And, here, I want to pay tribute to the extraordinary work of the hospice movement and especially to thank those hospices that operate within Chelmsford Diocese. Hospices provide space in which medical expertise combines with deep and compassionate care, to help those who are terminally ill (and their loved ones), find the support they need as they approach death.
For now, it's important that we continue listening to medical experts and go on weighing up international evidence on assisted suicide. In British society we don’t often talk about death, but can I encourage you, please, to discuss these issues in your churches, read about them and, of course, pray about them, asking for God’s grace and wisdom, especially for those charged with making difficult decisions. (There are a list of resources included at the end of this letter.) If you are moved to act, amongst other things, do please consider writing to your local MP, expressing your thoughts and concerns.
Regardless of your views and where your deliberations may take you, please be assured of my prayers as, together, we continue reflecting on what it means to minister to the sick and prepare the dying for their death. May we all come to a deeper understanding of the God who loves us, holds us through times of joy and sorrow and accompanies us through death, into life eternal. Please let your Archdeacon, Area Bishop or myself know if you need any pastoral support in relation to these, or indeed other, issues.
This comes, as always, with my gratitude for our shared ministry and with assurance of God’s blessing.
Yours,
The Rt Rev Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani
Bishop of Chelmsford
