Church of Scotland opposition to assisted suicide ‘under review’

Following a vote within the Scottish Parliament in favour of the final principles of a bill that may legalise assisted suicide, the Church of Scotland has said that it should be considering its own position on the problem at its annual General Assembly next week.

In a press release the Rev Dr John Ferguson, Convener of the Church of Scotland Assisted Dying Working Group, said that Church members had been praying for Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) within the weeks leading as much as the vote. He also acknowledged that Church members are divided on the problem, just as MSPs and wider society are.

Rev Ferguson noted that the normal position of the Church was opposition to euthanasia, because of the idea that “all life is sacred, created by God”.

“Human life is especially special, as we’re created in God’s image. At the guts of our concern is a conviction that it’s the fitting and duty of the Church, of society, and of every one in every of us to uphold and protect the dignity and value of human life,” he said. 

Despite this, the Church’s position on assisted suicide is now under review, it has confirmed. 

Rev Ferguson’s working group has been studying the problem for 2 years and shall be submitting a report for the Church to contemplate at its General Assembly.

He said that the bill proposed by Lib Dem MSP, Liam McArthur, raises concerns about eligibility. While legal assisted suicide could also be initially available only to just a few terminally ailing people, he questioned what’s to stop this from being prolonged to those with mental illness, minor physical disabilities and even minors as has happened elsewhere.

Concerns have also been raised about what safeguards an assisted suicide law would have and whether there are enough protections for the elderly, the disabled and other vulnerable people in society who could possibly be pressured into ending their lives.

Rev Ferguson ended his statement saying, “This is a solemn issue and views on each side have been made with seriousness and out of concern for the wellbeing of others.

“It shall be for the General Assembly to find out a response to our report and within the context of Parliament’s vote on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill.”