Faith
Lords Challenge Assisted Suicide Bill Amid Concerns
Faith Facts
- The House of Lords voted to send the assisted suicide bill to a select committee for deeper examination.
- Most speeches by peers during the debate opposed legalising assisted suicide for terminally ill adults.
- Christian leaders and advocates express strong concerns about pressures on vulnerable people if the bill passes.
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill faces serious opposition in the House of Lords, where a dedicated committee will now scrutinise its contents. Many parliamentarians voiced unease, emphasizing that legalising assisted suicide could threaten the sanctity of life and protection for the vulnerable.
Alisdair Hungerford-Morgan of Right To Life UK noted, “The large majority of peers speaking in opposition to the bill across the two days of Second Reading suggests the House of Lords is currently significantly more opposed than supportive of the bill.”
He warned that current strains on hospices and the NHS would make assisted suicide dangerous, stating, “Vulnerable people in our society need our unwavering protection and the best quality care, not a pathway to assisted suicide.” He also cited evidence that similar laws elsewhere have pressured many nearing the end of life into ending their lives.
Baroness Finlay argued that the proposal “does not improve patient choice or control.”
Baroness Berger raised concerns that some individuals might feel compelled to die, burdened by a sense of being unwanted.
Lord Frost cautioned that such legislation would erode the nation’s Christian ethical foundations and introduce a cold utilitarian worldview.
Baroness Foster emphasized, “The two days of debate at Second Reading have shown just how strongly this Bill is opposed across the House. Peer after peer spoke about the dangers it poses and the harm it would inflict on the most vulnerable.” She predicted ongoing resistance throughout the committee process.
Baroness Grey-Thompson added, “The message from the two days of Second Reading is unequivocal: we must protect the most disadvantaged in society.”
Caroline Ansell of Christian charity CARE described the bill as fundamentally flawed and dangerous, arguing that it undermines critical suicide prevention work.
Dr Gordon Macdonald of Care Not Killing declared, “We fully support peers being given the time and space they need to properly scrutinise this legislation, without Government interference or pressure from the whips.” He insisted that rejecting the bill is necessary to focus on compassionate palliative care.
As people of faith, we must defend the preciousness of every human life and stand firm for the dignity and protection of those who are most at risk. Let us stay vigilant and lift our voices in support of policies that uphold God-given life and compassionate care for all.
Faith Facts
- Three-quarters of girls and young women aged 7 to 21 have experienced online harm, with cases of sextortion rising by 2,600% in 2024.
- The UK’s Online Safety Act recognizes online threats to young people as ‘Primary Priority,’ but enforcement remains challenging.
- Christian communities are called to provide safe, supportive spaces and cultivate biblical truth and discernment in young lives.
The internet shapes the lives of nearly all young people, providing opportunities but also exposing them to unique dangers. Girls and young women face particular risks, from online abuse to harmful role models that can erode self-worth.
As Christian leaders, it is vital to confront digital misogyny and reject values that contradict God’s design for human dignity. We are called to respond with moral clarity and courage, standing firm for truth.
Education anchored in biblical wisdom offers protection, teaching youth to discern what is real and valuable in God’s sight. Programmes like ‘Staying Safe in the Digital World’ equip girls with practical tools and spiritual strength.
Effective legislation is needed to hold tech companies accountable and protect the most vulnerable. Discussion about these challenges within faith communities ensures young people know they are not alone and have trustworthy adults to turn to.
Trusted adults—whether parents, teachers, or Christian volunteers—must be visible advocates, offering both guidance and protection. Children and teens need opportunities to discuss online challenges openly and access support when needed.
While practical steps like limiting screen time are important, true safety stems from a blend of spiritual discipleship and digital awareness. Our actions should point to a lifestyle of wholesome relationships and faith-filled living, not just restriction.
We must model healthy habits, prioritizing time with family, faith, and activities that nourish the soul. The digital age demands active stewardship, rooted in our biblical calling to protect, love, and guide every child.
Now is the time for Christians to lead, championing online safety and Kingdom values for girls and young women—and shining as a light in the darkness of the digital world.
Faith Facts
- More than 200 celebrities, including Mark Ruffalo and Benedict Cumberbatch, signed a petition urging the release of convicted terrorist Marwan Barghouti.
- Barghouti, linked to the Fatah terrorist group, was convicted of orchestrating attacks resulting in the deaths of Israeli civilians.
- Christian leaders criticized the celebrities for supporting Barghouti, calling attention to the moral implications of their actions.
Christian values call us to remember the sanctity of life and the importance of standing with victims of violence rather than those who promote terror. These public figures’ actions raise important questions about our nation’s moral compass and the need to uphold biblical justice.
“Barghouti was convicted of five murders. That’s bad enough, but he also led one terrorist organization and co-founded a second, responsible for incalculable human suffering,” said Liora Rez, StopAntisemitism founder and executive director.
We must remain steadfast in upholding truth and defending innocent lives, rejecting the glorification of those who inflict suffering. Let us pray for discernment and courage to stand for righteousness, no matter how popular the opposition may be.
Faith Facts
- The House of Bishops paused standalone same-sex blessing services, citing constitutional and theological concerns.
- Current guidelines still allow ‘Prayers of Love and Faith’ in existing church services.
- The decision follows legal advice warning changes must follow proper Church governance.
The Bishop of Winchester, Philip Mounstephen, emphasized the importance of adhering to Biblical doctrine and church law in considering changes to marriage teachings.
He addressed the Winchester Diocesan Synod, affirming that upholding God’s design for marriage preserves unity and integrity within the Church of England.
“The sheer constitutional difficulty of making such changes brought us face to face with the importance of due process,” Bishop Mounstephen stated.
The bishops’ consensus to pause reflects a commitment to protect the Church’s foundation and honor scriptural values before adjusting any practices.
He warned against circumventing established governance, highlighting that such shortcuts undermine trust and stability in the church community.
Rev Canon John Dunnett, representing evangelical Anglicans, also expressed ongoing concern about the direction of these issues, underlining the need for vigilance in preserving Christian doctrine.
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