Church Group Express ‘Deep Concern’ Over Assisted Dying

A church group has expressed it’s sadness and deep concern at the Assisted Dying Bill being able to be passed into law.

Churches Alive in Mann, represents all the main Christian denominations on the island.

Mindful of the strength of feeling on all sides the group says it has “sought to work carefully and constructively” against the Bill.

Pastoral Concerns

The group believes that he Tynwald debate “done nothing to lessen our pastoral concerns, particularly for the most vulnerable members of Manx society”.

It says: “The very existence of this legislation will inevitably cause some  of our elderly, disabled or vulnerable people to feel more of a burden.

“More worrying still, and despite legislative amendments, we believe there is very little effective provision to guard against coercion.”

Church Safeguards

Churches in Mann says it recognises “the intent to provide training for the medical professionals involved”.

It believes that the involvement of a person trained in spotting coercion, such as a social worker or advocate, would “provide greater safeguards”.

Churches in Mann added: “We very much hope and request that opportunities to include this be pursued in the implementation of this legislation.”

Moral Concerns

It’s explained it’s moral concerns: “For thousands of years, ‘Do not kill’ has been an ethical foundation for many civilisations.

“We believe that all human life is a sacred gift from God. The value of any member of our society is not determined by variable measures of the quality of life.

“The premature ending of individual lives will inevitably diminish the high value we place on all lives.”

Common Good

Churches of Mann is grateful for Churches and people of goodwill across the island who have stood against the Bill.

However, it also recognises that many, in good conscience, take a different view.

Churches in Mann said: “Our hope is that, in this divisive area, we can all recognise that our disagreements are over issues, rather than between people.

“As secondary legislation, regulations and codes of practice are now developed, we will do all we can to work for the protection and care of all in Manx society, and especially the voiceless and the vulnerable.

Churches in Mann

“We urge the members of Tynwald to follow through with their expressed intent to ensure these protections are addressed and enshrined in practice.”