A coalition of Christian leaders in Scotland has called on MSPs to reject the upcoming Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, warning it could pressure vulnerable individuals into ending their lives. The group, representing multiple denominations, urged lawmakers to instead prioritise palliative care.
In a joint letter to MSPs, the leaders argued that the bill, introduced by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, risks normalising the idea that some lives are not worth living. They stated: “True compassion does not mean helping someone to die, but committing ourselves to care for them in life.”
The signatories include Rt Rev Rosemary Frew (Church of Scotland), Bishop John Keenan (Catholic Bishops’ Conference), Rev Alasdair Macleod (Free Church of Scotland), Major David Burns (Salvation Army), Andy Hunter (Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches), and Alistair Matheson (Apostolic Church UK).
Bishop Keenan highlighted concerns about coercion, saying the bill offers “no meaningful safeguards for the elderly, disabled and those who feel they are a burden.” He added that underfunded palliative care should be improved rather than replaced with “lethal options.”
MSPs will begin final scrutiny of the bill on March 10, with a vote expected on March 17. The Scottish Government remains neutral, as it is a Member’s Bill, and ministers will have a free vote.
