How can we respond following the Assisted Dying vote?
Written by Lucy Honeysett
(This article first appeared in Evangelicals Now)
It’s hard to put into words the disappointment and concern we feel as we hear the outcome of the vote on the assisted dying bill in Westminster on Friday. This dangerous legislation will totally change the landscape of healthcare and put vulnerable people at huge risk. Psalm 139 beautifully reminds us of God’s knowledge of us from conception in our mum’s womb through to the very end of life. God values life and every moment of life. Everyone is made in His image and is priceless and irreplaceable. There is something very sacred about dying and we as carers and health care professionals regularly see incredible unexpected moments of peace, forgiveness and joy in the final phase of life. We don’t want to see anyone robbed of this and will continue to do all we can to convey God’s love to each person in our care.
We praise God that this debate has enabled our Father’s heart to be displayed. We are thankful to God for the many in parliament who have shared concern, emphasised the value of life and reminded us of our responsibility as a society to protect the most vulnerable. These truths cannot be unheard, and we continue to pray for the Holy Spirit to change hearts and save those who are lost. We’re also thankful for the ways that this debate has united people. Many oppose assisted suicide, and we have seen people of all faiths and none come together and fight for life and the protection of it. May God be glorified through this.
As Christians, we have an opportunity to respond with great compassion. We want to draw close to those for whom suicide is their only hope. We pray that God would comfort those who are suffering, who question the value and meaning of their life and who believe that suicide is their only option. We pray for compassionate people to draw alongside those who are suffering and pray for greater investment in end of life and social care. We are thankful that God often strategically places His children to journey with those at end of life who need reminding that they are worthy of care and support, that they are precious and that we are committed to do all we can to bring comfort and dignity.
So many people have prayed against this bill. Countless prayer meetings and days of prayer have happened as people have pleaded with our Lord to protect us from evil. Thank you for caring, praying and taking this so seriously. Our God has heard our prayers, and He remains a good God, full of compassion and sovereign over all. We lean into Him all the more and ask that He continues to guide us and protect us. We pray as the bill will now move to the House of Lords. We pray that the House of Lords will ask the Commons to reconsider the bill and demand more time, scrutiny and stronger safeguards before it is even reconsidered. Thank you, heavenly Father, for hearing our prayers and remaining in control.