Welsh bishops reaffirm opposition to assisted dying
As the bill reaches a crucial stage in the House of Commons, the bishops have republished their statement, calling for no limits on compassion.
"This is an extremely difficult issue over which different people, including Christians, will have arrived at differing views with the best of intentions," the statement read.
"Nonetheless, the protection of the most vulnerable people in our society from the risks inherent in this measure must be the paramount issue, and for that reason, we cannot in good conscience support the proposed legislation.
"There is abundant evidence from those jurisdictions where this measure has been enacted that good intentions can swiftly lead to bad and unintended outcomes, and to the devaluing of all human life."
The bishops also highlighted the importance of palliative care, saying: "Our Christian faith has always been rooted in the reality of pain and mortality, but also in the incalculable value of each human person, irrespective of their social standing, their access to resources, or their physical or mental ability.
"In that spirit, shown to us in the person of Jesus, we give our heartfelt support to the extension of the best possible palliative care to all who require it, so that no limits are put on the compassion which we show as individuals and as a society."
The statement was signed by the Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, and six other bishops.
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