Portsmouth Diocese e-News Issue 467
Over the weekend, the power infrastructure of Ukraine was hit by Russian missile and drone attacks. In return, President Biden has authorised the use of missiles being used deep into Russia. Thus the war in Ukraine drags on. Although much criticised for saying it, Pope Francis is surely right: there must at some point be a negotiated settlement of some sort. Let us pray earnestly that this will quickly be the case.
Meanwhile, welcome to e-News this week, which I am sending you after the Bishops’ Conference that took place last week at Hinsley Hall. All the bishops of England and Wales attended, and in union with the Bishops of Scotland, we published a statement about the proposed assisted suicide bill. You can read it below. Please keep the Bishops in your prayers to the Lord. [Image: Libkos, Credit: AP]
Message from the Bishops of England, Wales and Scotland
From the Bishop
Last week, I was at Hinsley Hall in Leeds for a meeting of the Bishops’ Conference. All the bishops were present and here was a statement that we produced, addressed to all people of good will.
As Catholic Bishops in England and Wales, and in Scotland, we believe that genuine compassion is under threat because of the attempts in Parliament to legalise assisted suicide. ‘Compassion’ means to enter into and share the suffering of another person. It means never giving up on anyone or abandoning them. It means loving them to the natural end of their life, even if and when they struggle to find meaning and purpose. Compassion means accompanying people, especially during sickness, disability, and old age. This kind of genuine compassion is witnessed through the care and respect we show to people with terminal illness as they complete their journey in this life.
We appeal to those who share our Catholic belief in human dignity and sanctity of life, including fellow Christians, other religious people, and people of reason and good will, to join with us in defending the weakest and most vulnerable who are at risk through this proposed legislation.
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