Calls for more time to debate assisted dying in the House of Lords have reignited Christian divisions over the controversial legislation and the role of bishops in opposing it.

Peers were due to continue scrutiny of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill when a motion was tabled requesting additional time for debate, according to the Press Association (PA).

The move aimed to ensure the Bill could complete its passage through the Lords and return to the Commons before the current parliamentary session ends.

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord George Carey, who supported the Bill, had previously warned that bishops and peers should not “claim to know better than the public” by standing in the way of legalising assisted dying.

He said the Lords and Church bishops risked “losing their legitimacy as major institutions in public life” if they blocked the legislation.

Lord Carey, who served as the Church of England’s most senior bishop for eleven years, had taken a position at odds with other Christian leaders, including staunch opponent and incoming Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally.

The motion was brought forward by Lord Charlie Falconer, who was steering the Bill through the Lords. He said further time was needed to complete scrutiny and return the legislation to the Commons, the PA reported.

Opponents of the Bill argued extended scrutiny was necessary to ensure safeguards were strengthened, while supporters accused critics of delaying tactics after more than 1,000 amendments were tabled.

The Bill narrowly passed its third reading in the House of Commons in June last year and received an unopposed second reading in the Lords in September.