The Church of Scotland is expected to move to a neutral position on assisted dying after many years of opposition. The Church of Scotland is following in the path of many other organisations, including the British Medical Association and Royal College of General Practitioners, in acknowledging the arguments in favour of assisted dying.
The Guardian revealed that an expert panel for the Church has recommended the move to neutrality should be agreed at it’s annual general assembly, which starts on 17th May. The panel state that the Christian arguments for assisted dying are as valid as the arguments against. This has been argued by the Scottish Christian Forum on Assisted Dying – led by former FATE Trustee Gareth Morgan – for some time following an in-depth analysis of theology.
Convener of Friends at the End, Emma Cooper, said “We welcome this move by the Church of Scotland which both recognises the strong support amongst it’s members for assisted dying, as well as the range of support found in the Christian literature.
“This comes at an incredibly important time as MSPs move to vote on the Scottish Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill this coming Tuesday. This vote is a conscience vote, meaning MSPs can vote according to their own views and beliefs, and we know some MSPs will value knowing that the Church of Scotland supports their viewpoint should they choose to vote in favour of assisted dying.
“MSPs who want to talk through their decision with an expert in theology, should contact the Scottish Christian Forum on Assisted Dying.”
Those who wish to read the report in full, can do so here: Joint Report of the Theological Forum and the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team on Assisted Dying
