On Friday 12 September, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will have its second reading in the House of Lords.

When the bill started its passage through parliament back in September 2024, Archbishop John Sherrington, who is the Lead Bishop for Life Issues for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, called for Catholics to unite in prayer and compassionate action.

This message remains the same as Archbishop John’s latest statement says: “We reiterate our firm opposition to the bill in principle and in practice.”

Here’s how you can get involved ahead of this key date:

Read - Archbishop John Sherrington’s statement

Archbishop John’s latest statement covers the bill’s threats to care homes and hospices, inadequate conscience clause, putting vulnerable patients at risk and provides a call to prayer and action.

Click here to read the full statement.

Contact a Peer

All Catholics are encouraged to write to a Peer ahead of the reading to make their opposition known.

Unlike MPs, Members of the House of Lords do not have constituents, meaning there is not a Peer whose job it is to represent you based on where you live.

Therefore, people are encouraged to take time to think about which Peer you will write to. You may want to contact someone you have a personal or professional contact with or if you know of a former MP for your constituency has been elevated to the House of Lords - they may be interested in hearing from you.

More details about which Peer to contact, how to address them and suggested points to include in your letter can be found here:

https://www.cbcew.org.uk/how-to-write-to-peers-in-the-house-of-lords/

Join together in prayer

Father, as we consider this deeply sensitive and sad issue, may we hold Your grace and truth close to our hearts. We pray for vulnerable people facing the prospect of pain and fear of death and dying. May everyone in need receive comfort and support through the gift of medical skill and the ministry of those who care. ​

We are a people of hope and we pray to the Holy Spirit for help. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Credit: Seven ways to pray about assisted suicide | CARE

Find out more:

More information can be found on the Bishops’ Conference website: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/opposing-assisted-suicide/

An A-Z of unresolved problems regarding the bill can be found on Care not Killing’s website: Major unresolved problems with the Leadbeater Bill: an A-Z guide – Care Not Killing

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