Thought for the Day, 9 June 2009

The Rt Rev. Tom Butler

The House of Lords is shortly to examine an amendment by Lord Falconer which would enable, under very strict conditions, someone to assist with the suicide of a loved one who has an incurable disease. Bishops of the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church don't, by any means see eye to eye on every issue, why is it that they are of one mind in opposing such legislation? Have they no sympathy for those caught up in such heart rending situations?

Of course they have. But as priests they've frequently over the years sat by the bedside of an elderly person who is worrying that they're becoming an increasing burden on their loved ones, or seeing the nest egg that they'd saved as an inheritance for their children and grandchildren being eaten away by the cost of residential or nursing care. In such a situation although not really wanting to die, if it becomes legal to do so, it won't be external pressures which hint where duty lies, it will be the inner instincts of a person who has lived through difficult times, and has always put others first.

Bishops are also often in and out of hospices and so know that for the vast majority of people with the skilful medical and nursing care now available pain can be controlled, and death can be approached in a dignified and peaceful manner with the support of family and friends.

We realise that in recent years there's been an increasing emphasis on individual rights and self-determination but the exercise of personal authority has to have some limitation in order that human beings can live together in reasonable harmony and whilst patients should not be overtreated and may reasonably refuse treatments as too burdensome the law denies that there is a legal right to die at a time of one's own choosing. Of course this puts those who believe it is their duty to aid the suicide of a loved one in a difficult legal position, and a culture has grown up in recent times to legislate for every conceivable situation - that's why recent government bills have sometimes been the size of telephone directories, perhaps it's better to trust to the good sense of experienced judges.

But, of course, for bishops this is not primarily a legal question or even one of a balance of care and protection, our position is a theological one for it grows out of our belief that God has given to humankind the gift of life and it is to be revered, cherished, and preserved. It follows that all human beings are to be valued, irrespective of their condition or potential for achievement. Adherence to this principle, we believe, provides a fundamental test as to what constitutes a civilized society. Move from this and the right to die risks becoming the duty to die.