Christian groups call for national day of prayer against assisted suicide

The Christian Institute is joining a coalition of evangelical groups in urging Christians across the UK to take part in a national day of prayer against Kim Leadbeater MP’s assisted suicide Bill.

On Tuesday 25 March, the Institute, Affinity, CARE, the Christian Medical Fellowship and the Evangelical Alliance are inviting Christians to pray about the issue and also to encourage their church and friends to join too.

The Terminally Ill Adults Bill, which is at Committee stage in the House of Commons, would allow patients in England and Wales deemed to be terminally ill and with less than six months to live to receive help to kill themselves. A final vote is expected in April or May, to decide whether the Bill progresses to the Lords.

‘Key moment’

The Christian Institute’s Director Ciarán Kelly stated: “Now is a key moment to pray for the failure of efforts to legalise assisted suicide for ill and vulnerable people. MPs are becoming increasingly doubtful of Leadbeater’s proposals, after her ‘ultimate safeguard’ of a High Court judge was proven to be unworkable.

“We should give thanks for the politicians, professionals, and groups speaking out against the proposals, but we must pray that more would understand the bitter reality they would wreak upon society.

“Join us on the 25th March, to pray for compassion and hope for those who are suffering, and a reaffirmation of the dignity and worth of human life.”

‘Critical’

The Committee tasked with scrutinising the Bill has been widely criticised for being unfairly stacked with supporters of assisted suicide and for excluding experts with serious concerns from presenting evidence in person.

Writing in The House Magazine, Diane Abbott noted that while there has been a “parade of Australian advocates of the bill giving evidence”, “key groups advocating for disabled people” have been “effectively denied a voice”.

Respected Guardian columnist Sonia Sodha stressed that it is “critical that the bill’s proponents engage constructively with the doctors, psychiatrists, social workers, lawyers and domestic abuse experts” who have concerns.

But she observed that rather than welcoming constructive criticism to try and improve her Bill, Leadbeater has been “affronted” by the opposition and complained about their “‘clear mobilisation'”.