Catholic leaders are urging voters to speak out against the Assisted Dying bill as it progresses through parliament.
Bishop John Sherrington, the lead bishop for Life Issues, highlighted the importance of writing to MPs to voice concerns during an interview on the Catholic News Podcast.
He shared how caring for his grandparents deepened his belief in the sanctity of life, particularly in times of suffering.
“I remember when I was about seven, my grandmother had a massive stroke and then lived with us. In those days, the treatment for strokes was not as good as it is now. She had mobility, but she’d lost a lot of her speech, though her mind was very sharp,” Bishop John said.
“Of course, she’d become very frustrated in trying to express herself. As a child, I spent a lot of time with her, trying to help her to do that. Those family relationships for all of us are so important. They shape who we become. Having grandparents who were sick and loving them made me want their lives to continue, made me want to be with them and accompany them."
He continued: “The idea of ending a life because of suffering is just incomprehensible when I think of them. One grandmother was on her own, my other grandparents were together, but the way they managed each other’s old age was lovely to see and the love between them. So that must have begun a process in me of getting more concerned about the sacredness of life and the gift of life."
Bishop John also commended Pope Francis for his example of living with illness, encouraging Catholics to keep opposing the bill and to share their personal stories in support of life.
“At the moment, I think Pope Francis wants to be a witness to suffering and living with his medical conditions. But we see him making the most of each day – phoning the parish community in Gaza, for example. He’s loving and concerned for them,” he continued.
“He’s still sending us messages of encouragement and the importance of loving and living with suffering. So the Pope gives great encouragement to those who are sick or dying at this time."
Yesterday, the Isle of Man became the first of the British Isles to pass legislation allowing terminally ill people to end their own lives. The Crown dependancy's Assisted Dying Bill will now be sent for Royal Assent, after which it will become law.