Christian Leaders Urge MSPs to Reject Assisted Suicide Bill Ahead of Final Vote
A coalition of senior Christian leaders from across Scotland has issued an open letter to all Members of the Scottish Parliament, calling on them to vote against the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill at the upcoming Stage 3 debate.
In their joint letter, the leaders warn that while the intention to relieve suffering is deeply understood, legalising assisted dying would “undermine human dignity” and place vulnerable people at risk. They argue that no set of safeguards can fully protect those who are elderly, disabled, or who may feel they are a burden to others.
The letter emphasises that true compassion lies not in enabling death but in committing to high‑quality care at the end of life. The leaders call for greater investment in palliative and end‑of‑life services so that no one faces pain, fear, or loneliness without adequate support.
They highlight international concerns, noting that courts and legislatures in Canada and Australia—countries where assisted dying has been legalised—have since faced challenges including expanded eligibility, pressure on safeguards, and reported risks of coercion and misuse.
The signatories urge MSPs to “stand for the equal worth and dignity of every human life” by rejecting the legislation.
Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said: “The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill presents a profound risk to Scotland’s most vulnerable, leaving them exposed to coercion from abusive partners, family and wider society. It offers no meaningful safeguards for the elderly, disabled, and those who feel they are a burden, and threatens trust between doctors and patients.
With palliative care already underfunded and overstretched, this Bill replaces care with lethal options. I urge MSPs to defend the dignity of every human life until its natural end and to protect the vulnerable by voting against this Bill.”
Signatories
- Rt Rev. Rosemary Frew, Moderator, Church of Scotland
- Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
- Rev Alasdair Macleod, Moderator, Free Church of Scotland
- Rev Martin Keane, Moderator, United Free Church of Scotland
- Major David Burns, Executive Secretary to Leadership (Scotland), Salvation Army
- Andy Hunter, Director for Scotland, Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches
- Alistair Matheson, Scottish Regional Superintendent for the Apostolic Church UK
Further information:
- Care Not Killing Scotland: https://carenotkilling.scot/
- The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland (BCoS) is the assembly of the Catholic bishops of Scotland, working together on national pastoral, social and legislative matters on behalf of the Church. www.bcos.org.uk
- For further information, contact Fr Michael Kane, Director of the Communications and Evangelisation Office, Email: media@bcos.org.uk