Protecting the vulnerable and upholding the dignity of every human life from conception to natural death.
Overview
The current raised concern of the Justice and Peace group is the Assisted Dying bills currently going through Holyrood and Westminster parliament. This campaign represents a critical moment for the protection of vulnerable lives and the future of end-of-life care in Scotland and the United Kingdom.
The Issue
The proposed legislation would fundamentally change how we approach end-of-life care in our society:
What the Bill Proposes:
- Anyone over the age of 16 years old
- Who is terminally ill
- Who is mentally competent
- And wishes to die can legally end their life
Why This Concerns Us:
This proposed legislation presents serious ethical, medical, and social concerns. Rather than investing in quality palliative care and support for the dying, this bill creates a pathway to end life prematurely. The most vulnerable in our society – the elderly, the disabled, those suffering from depression alongside terminal illness, and those who fear being a burden – may face subtle or overt pressure to choose death over care.
The Church's Position
The proposed legislation would fundamentally change how we approach end-of-life care in our society:
Episcopal Statement
The Bishops of Scotland have published a comprehensive pastoral letter titled “Called to Care, Not to Kill” which clearly articulates the Catholic Church’s position on this critical issue.
Key Points from the Bishops:
- The proposals are dangerous to the most vulnerable in society
- Quality palliative care, not assisted dying, is the compassionate response
- We have a moral obligation to protect life, especially when it is most vulnerable
- The dignity of every human person must be upheld from conception to natural death
The Bishops Urge:
All Catholics and people of good will to write to their MPs and MSPs in strong opposition to this bill.
Current Legislative Status
Scottish Parliament (Holyrood)
Current Stage: Stage 2
Status: The Assisted Dying bill has been given to the lead committee for detailed examination
What This Means: The bill is being scrutinised line-by-line, and amendments can be proposed
Key Information:
- Proposed evidence timetable is being developed
- Committee members are hearing from witnesses
- Public engagement continues to be crucial
UK Parliament (Westminster)
Current Stage: Committee Stage at the House of Lords
Status: The bill is undergoing detailed examination by Lords committee members
Recent Updates: Parliamentary debates and committee hearings are ongoing. Check the UK Parliament website for the latest developments.
How You Can Take Action
Write to Your Representatives
Write to Your MSP (Member of Scottish Parliament):
- Express your concerns about the Assisted Dying bill
- Share how this impacts your community and faith
- Urge them to vote against the legislation
- Use the template letter provided (see Resources below)
Write to Your MP (Member of Parliament):
- Contact your Westminster representative
- Voice opposition to the UK bill
- Request they consider alternatives like improved palliative care funding
Find Your Representatives:
Use Our Letter Templates
We’ve made it easy for you to take action. Access professionally written letter and email templates that you can personalise and send to your representatives.
Available Templates:
📄 MSP Letter Template
📄 MP Letter Template
📧 Email Template (for quick digital correspondence)
📱 Social Media Post Templates
Pray
Prayer is powerful and essential in this campaign.
Prayer Intentions:
- For those who are terminally ill and their families
- For lawmakers considering this legislation
- For a culture that values life at every stage
- For increased funding and access to quality palliative care
- For the conversion of hearts and minds
Suggested Prayer:
Lord of life, we ask you to protect the most vulnerable amongst us. Give wisdom to our lawmakers, compassion to our caregivers, and hope to those facing terminal illness. Help us build a society that truly cares for the dying rather than offers death as a solution. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Educate Yourself and Others
- Read the full pastoral letter
- Understand the arguments against assisted suicide
- Share information with your family, friends, and parish community
- Counter misinformation with facts and compassion
Support Palliative Care Initiatives
Instead of assisted dying, we advocate for:
- Increased funding for hospice care
- Better training for healthcare professionals in end-of-life care
- Support for family caregivers
- Research into pain management
- Emotional and spiritual care for the dying
How You Can Take Action
Official Documents
📄 Pastoral Letter: “Called to Care, Not to Kill” – Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
📄 Letter/Email Templates: Catholic Parliamentary Office
Track the Legislation
External Campaign Partners
- Catholic Parliamentary Office (rcpolitics.org)
- Justice & Peace Scotland
- Bishops’ Conference of Scotland
- Care Not Killing Alliance
Get Involved
Join the Discussion
This campaign is a regular topic at our Justice and Peace/Care of Creation Deanery group meetings. All parishioners are welcome to attend, learn more, and contribute to our collective response.
Next Meeting:
📅 Date: 25th November 2025
🕖 Time: 7.30pm
📍 Location: Saint Joseph’s Small Meeting Room, Clarkston
Meeting Agenda Items:
- Campaign updates and legislative progress
- Letter writing workshop
- Planning advocacy events
- Coordinating with other parishes
- Prayer and reflection
All are welcome – whether you’re deeply involved in justice and peace work or just beginning to learn about these issues.
Campaign Coordinator
For questions, to get involved, or to request resources:
📧 Email: jeseenan@btinternet.com
📞 Telephone: 01416442725
Response Time: We typically respond within 2-3 business days.
Share on Social Media
Suggested Posts:
Twitter/X
“I stand for quality care, not assisted dying. Join me in opposing the Assisted Dying bills at Holyrood and Westminster. Write to your representatives today. #CalledToCare #LifeMatters”
Facebook Post
“The Bishops of Scotland have called us to action: we must oppose the dangerous Assisted Dying bills currently in parliament. Instead of helping people die, let’s invest in helping people live with dignity through quality palliative care. Learn more and take action: https://stjosephclarkston.com/say-no-to-assisted-suicide”
Instagram Caption
“Called to care, not to kill. 💙 Our parish is taking action against assisted dying legislation. Every voice matters – write to your MSP and MP today. Link in bio for templates and info. #CatholicSocialTeaching #LifeAndDignity #PalliativeCare”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Catholic Church opposed to assisted suicide?
We believe in the inherent dignity of every human person from conception to natural death. Killing, even with consent, is never a compassionate response to suffering. Instead, we advocate for quality palliative care that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
What's the difference between assisted suicide and withdrawing treatment?
Withdrawing burdensome treatment and allowing natural death is morally acceptable. Actively causing death through drugs or other means is fundamentally different – it makes death the goal rather than accepting it as an inevitable outcome.
Won't this only affect people who want it?
Experience from other jurisdictions shows that vulnerable people – the elderly, disabled, depressed, or those who fear being a burden – face subtle pressure to choose death. “Safeguards” prove inadequate in practice.
What should we offer instead?
Comprehensive palliative care including pain management, emotional support, spiritual care, and family support. We should invest in helping people live well until they die naturally, not help them die.
I've already written to my representatives. What else can I do?
Continue praying, share information with others, attend our meetings, support palliative care charities, and stay engaged as the bills progress through parliament.
OTHER Causes & Campaigns
Last Updated: December 2025
Saint Joseph’s Parish Justice and Peace Campaign
Working in partnership with Saint Bridget’s and Saint Cadoc’s parishes
