Parish of Our Lady & Saint David, Cwmbran

In early September 2024, when parliament returned and a Bill on assisted suicide – so-called assisted dying – started its passage through the House of Lords, our Lead Bishop for Life Issues, Bishop John Sherrington, called for Catholics to unite in prayer and compassionate action.

That call is renewed now as on Wednesday, 16 October, the House of Commons will hear the first reading of a new bill on assisted suicide tabled by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater.

This is another attempt to legalise assisted suicide and we need you to contact your MP to voice your opposition.

Archbisbop Mark’s Pastoral Letter

Cardinal Vincent calls on Catholics to take action against assisted suicide

Act Now! Contact your MP

The charity Right to Life UK has a simple online mechanism to do this. It takes little more than a few minutes to input your postcode, make sure the suggested text suits your viewpoint and submit your message to ask your MP to stop assisted suicide being rushed into law.

Pray

We are a praying Christian community and, as Bishop Sherrington says, the legalisation of assisted suicide undermines the sanctity and dignity of human life. “The Catholic Church accompanies those suffering and nearing the end of their lives with hope and affection, but also reminds them that their life is precious until the very last breath,” he says. “In preparation for these challenging debates, let us offer our prayers for those facing the end of their lives, that they may receive the care and support they need to live their final days with respect for their dignity.

“Let us also pray for our politicians and our country that wisdom and compassion may guide their decisions. I also urge all Catholics to become better informed about the serious problems associated with the legalisation of assisted suicide.

Here, in the parish, we are ending Our Lady’s month of October with a parish Rosary for the Sanctity of Life. This will take place at Our Lady’s Church on Sunday, 27th October, beginning at 3:00pm. More information is available here.