Archbishop Justin Welby, Faith Leaders Voice Assisted Dying Bill Opposition

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: Jul 16, 2014

Archbishop Justin Welby, Faith Leaders Voice Assisted Dying Bill Opposition

A group of over twenty British church leaders have joined together in opposition of Lord Falconer’s Assisted Dying Bill; Archbishop Justin Welby is included among those speaking out against the controversial legislation. 

The Assisted Dying Bill is set to receive its second reading in Parliament on Friday reports Christian Today. But the faith leaders argue against the bill, warning that it “would have a serious detrimental effect on the wellbeing of individuals and on the nature and shape of society,” the leaders wrote in a joint statement. 

The statement continues, “This is central to our laws and our social relationships; to undermine this in any way would be a grave error. The Assisted Dying Bill would allow individuals to participate actively in ending others' lives, in effect colluding in the judgment that they are of no further value. This is not the way forward for a compassionate and caring society.”

The statement from several noteworthy faith leaders follows announcements from former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey and Archbishop Desmond Tutu offering their support for the bill.

Publication date: July 16, 2014



Archbishop Justin Welby, Faith Leaders Voice Assisted Dying Bill Opposition