𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗦𝗣𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲
A coalition of senior Christian leaders from across Scotland has issued an open letter to all Members of the Scottish Parliament, calling on them to vote against the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill at the upcoming Stage 3 debate.
In their joint letter, the leaders warn that while the intention to relieve suffering is deeply understood, legalising assisted dying would “undermine human dignity” and place vulnerable people at risk. They argue that no set of safeguards can fully protect those who are elderly, disabled, or who may feel they are a burden to others.
The letter emphasises that true compassion lies not in enabling death but in committing to high‑quality care at the end of life. The leaders call for greater investment in palliative and end-of-life services so that no one faces pain, fear, or loneliness without adequate support.
They highlight international concerns, noting that courts and legislatures in Canada and Australia—countries where assisted dying has been legalised—have since faced challenges including expanded eligibility, pressure on safeguards, and reported risks of coercion and misuse.
The signatories urge MSPs to “stand for the equal worth and dignity of every human life” by rejecting the legislation.
Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said: “The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill presents a profound risk to Scotland’s most vulnerable, leaving them exposed to coercion from abusive partners, family and wider society. It offers no meaningful safeguards for the elderly, disabled, and those who feel they are a burden, and threatens trust between doctors and patients.
With palliative care already underfunded and overstretched, this Bill replaces care with lethal options. I urge MSPs to defend the dignity of every human life until its natural end and to protect the vulnerable by voting against this Bill.”
Signatories
Rt Rev. Rosemary Frew, Moderator, Church of Scotland
Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland
Rev Alasdair Macleod, Moderator, Free Church of Scotland
Rev Martin Keane, Moderator, United Free Church of Scotland
Major David Burns, Executive Secretary to Leadership (Scotland), Salvation Army
Andy Hunter, Director for Scotland, Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches
Alistair Matheson, Scottish Regional Superintendent for the Apostolic Church UK
The full letter can be read below.
