The Bishops' Conference of Scotland

Gospel
Matthew 23:1-12
‘They preach, but do not practise.’

At that time: Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practise. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honour at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the market-places and being called rabbi by others. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.’

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.

Holy Mass of Monday of the Second Week of Lent | 02 March 2026
This music is licensed under one license number: A-623356

Scotland stands at a moment of profound moral consequence.

In the coming weeks, MSPs will cast their final vote on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults Scotland Bill. As Catholic Bishops of Scotland, we have issued a pastoral letter urging our nation to choose compassion that walks with those who suffer and affirms the dignity of every human life.

True compassion means ensuring every person receives proper medical care, emotional support and spiritual accompaniment. It means recognising that every life, regardless of illness, disability, age or circumstance, has inherent and unrepeatable value.

We encourage prayerful reflection and respectful engagement at this significant time.

Please consider contacting your MSP and asking them to oppose this legislation. You can do so quickly and easily through carenotkilling.scot

Let us pray for those approaching the end of life, for their families and carers, and for all who carry responsibility in public life.

May the Holy Spirit guide Scotland to choose the path of life, dignity and compassion.

Bishop Toal's Sunday Reflection: Second Sunday of Lent