Scotland's Churches Sound the Alarm: 7 Denominations Demand Parliament Kill Assisted Suicide Bill

Scottish Church Leaders Unite Against Assisted Suicide Bill Ahead of Final Holyrood Vote

Church leaders from across Scotland's major denominations have issued a joint plea to Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), urging them to vote against the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill at its final stage.

The unprecedented joint statement was signed by leaders of the Church of Scotland, the Catholic Church in Scotland, the Free Church of Scotland, the United Free Church of Scotland, the Salvation Army in Scotland, the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches, and the Apostolic Church.

In their letter, the church leaders described the legislation as addressing "one of the most important moral questions of our time." They warned that the bill poses serious risks to vulnerable populations who could face coercion.

True compassion does not mean helping someone to die, but committing ourselves to care for them in life.

The letter was addressed to all MSPs ahead of the debate on amendments scheduled for March 10, 2026, with the final vote expected on March 17, 2026. The outcome is predicted to be extremely close.

We urge you to vote against this legislation at Stage 3. A truly compassionate society accompanies those who suffer; it does not abandon them to an early death.

The church leaders cited examples from Canada and Australia, where similar laws have led to expanded eligibility criteria and the removal of safeguards over time. They drew parallels to Westminster legislation that was recently deemed "dead" after parliamentary scrutiny found it was neither "safe nor workable."

Alisdair Hungerford Morgan, CEO of Right to Life, also voiced opposition to the bill, aligning with the church leaders' call for MSPs to reject the proposed law.

Why Scotland's Churches Are Fighting the Assisted Dying Bill at Holyrood

The united front from Scotland's churches represents a rare moment of cross denominational solidarity. Protestant, Catholic, and evangelical leaders standing shoulder to shoulder against what they describe as a dangerous precedent for the sanctity of human life.

The bill, brought forward by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, seeks to allow terminally ill adults in Scotland to receive assistance in ending their lives. Supporters argue it provides dignity and choice, but opponents insist it opens the door to abuse and a slippery slope toward broader euthanasia practices.

The Crusader's Opinion

When a society decides it is compassionate to help people die instead of helping them live, that society has lost its moral compass entirely. Scotland's church leaders are right to stand united on this. The examples from Canada tell us everything we need to know. What began as a "compassionate" measure for the terminally ill has expanded to include the mentally ill, the disabled, and even those who are simply poor. That is not compassion. That is abandonment dressed in medical language. Every single life bears the image of God, from first breath to last, and no parliament on earth has the authority to declare otherwise. We pray the MSPs have the courage to reject this bill on March 17.

Take Action

• Contact your MSP directly through the Scottish Parliament website and urge them to vote against the Assisted Dying Bill at Stage 3 on March 17, 2026.
• Sign the petition at Right to Life UK opposing the Scottish Assisted Dying Bill and share it with your church community.
• Pray specifically for the MSPs who are undecided. The vote is expected to be extremely close, and every voice matters.
• Share this story with your congregation and on social media to amplify the message of Scotland's church leaders.
• Support organizations defending the sanctity of life. Donate to The Shepherd's Shield to help protect persecuted Christians and vulnerable communities worldwide.