Salvation Army to campaign against assisted suicide

The Salvation Army is urging Salvationists in the UK and Ireland to write to their local MP about the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill expressing concerns about the impact this legislation may have on vulnerable people. The Bill will have its second reading on 29 November 2024. 

The Church and Charity believes that all human life is a gift from God and does not agree with assisting suicide. However, it recognizes that people across the country will have a variety of perspectives possibly formed by sensitive personal experiences and is also calling for grace and compassion when discussing this highly charged issue.

Territorial Leaders of The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland, Commissioners Paul and Jenine Main have written a letter to Salvation Army officers, Salvationists, Salvation Army leaders and members about the campaign to lobby against the bill. The letter states:

“This issue profoundly touches the heart of our mission to support those who are vulnerable and respect the sanctity of life (see Psalm 139:13–16). As Salvationists, we stand with other Christian and faith communities, alongside political and non-faith leaders, in expressing concerns about this legislation. 

“In the Christian faith, acts of mercy include caring for people in life and being with them through the dying process, upholding mercy and sanctity. The Salvation Army upholds this tradition, especially through our older people’s ministries. Many Salvationists also live out this compassion daily through health, social care and hospice work, affirming the inherent worth of each person as being created by God.

(…) 

“Legalising assisted suicide, however well-intentioned, could place unintended pressures in moments of vulnerability. Called to reflect the love of Jesus Christ, we seek to alleviate pain and offer compassionate support. We journey alongside people who suffer and uphold their inherent, God-given sanctity at every stage and experience of life.

(…)  

“As these discussions draw near, we urge you to pray for wisdom, compassion, and guidance for our leaders and communities.”  

The Salvation Army has had an international and a UK and Ireland territory positional statement on assisted suicide for a number of years. In particular The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland believes: 

• Assisted suicide is one of the most crucial questions a society can face, as the legislation challenges the fundamental principle of valuing every life, inviting people to question when a life is deemed no longer worth living.
• Legalizing assisted suicide risks discriminating against people in poverty as they rarely have the same access to specialist end-of-life care, which may put pressure on them to consider ending their life as the only way to alleviate mental and physical pain.
• The law already allows for the withdrawal of ineffectual medical treatment that unnecessarily prolongs suffering at the end of someone’s life, while maintaining full palliative care.
• Many people regardless of their circumstances, may worry their care may be a burden on their loved ones or society. 
• There must be proper funding of palliative care to ensure individuals receive physical, emotional, and spiritual support. 
• Laws send social messages. Accepting that it is ok to assist suicide risks suggesting that vulnerable people who are elderly, seriously ill or have disabilities should consider the option of ending their life.