Pastoral Letter from Bishop Richard April 2025
Webmaster • April 4, 2025
Bishop of Arundel & Brighton
Pastoral Letter from the Bishops of England & Wales
on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill
5/6 April 2025
Fifth Sunday of Lent
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I wish to speak with you today about the process in which our Parliament is currently considering legalising assisted suicide through the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. As I have made clear earlier in this debate, as Catholics we have maintained a principled objection to this change in law recognising that every human life is sacred, coming as a gift of God and bearing a God-given dignity. We are, therefore, clearly opposed to this Bill in principle, elevating, as it does, the autonomy of the individual above all other considerations.
The passage of the Bill through Parliament will lead to a vote in late April on whether it progresses further. This will be a crucial moment and I, together with all the Bishops of England and Wales, am writing to ask your support in urging your MP to vote against this Bill at that time.
There are serious reasons for doing so. At this point we wish not simply to restate our objections in principle, but to emphasise the deeply flawed process undergone in Parliament thus far. We wish to remind you that it is a fundamental duty of every MP to ensure that legislation is not imposed on our society which has not been properly scrutinised and which will bring about damaging consequences.
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will fundamentally change many of the key relationships in our way of life: within the family, between doctor and patient, within the health service. Yet there has been no Royal Commission or independent inquiry ahead of its presentation. It is a Private Member’s Bill. The Bill itself is long and complex and was published just days before MPs voted on it, giving them inadequate time to consult or reflect upon it. The time for debate was minimal. The Committee examining the Bill took only three days of evidence: not all voices were heard, and it comprises an undue number of supporters of the Bill. In short, this is no way to legislate on such an important and morally complex issue.
One consequence of this flawed process is that many vital questions remain unanswered. Can MPs guarantee that the scope of the Bill will not be extended? In almost every country where assisted suicide has been introduced the current scope is wider than was originally intended.
What role, if any, will the judiciary have in the process? We were told that judicial oversight was a necessary and vital part of the process; now we are told it isn’t needed at all. What will protect the vulnerable from coercion, or from feeling a burden on family? Can the National Health Service cope with assisted suicide or will it, as the Health Secretary has warned, cause cuts elsewhere in the NHS? Can MPs guarantee that no medical practitioner or care worker would be compelled to take part in assisted suicide? Would this mean the establishment of a ‘national death service’?
In contrast to the provisions of this Bill, what is needed is first-class, compassionate palliative care at the end of our lives. This is already provided to many in our society but, tragically, is in short supply and underfunded. No-one should be dispatched as a burden to others. Instead, a good society would prioritise care for the elderly, the vulnerable, and the weak. The lives of our families are richer for cherishing their presence.
It is a sad reflection on Parliament’s priorities that the House of Commons spent far more time debating the ban on fox hunting than it is spending debating bringing in assisted suicide.
I am sure that you will share these concerns. It is now clear that this measure is being rushed without proper scrutiny and without fundamental questions surrounding safeguards being answered. This is a deeply flawed Bill with untold unintended consequences.
Every MP, and Government, has a solemn duty to prevent such legislation reaching the statute book. This, tragically, is what may happen. So I appeal to you: even if you have written before, please make contact now with your MP and ask them to vote against this Bill not only on grounds of principle but because of the failure of Parliament to approach this issue in an adequate and responsible manner.
In his Letter to the Philippians, from which we heard in the Second Reading, St Paul reflects on the difficulties and responsibilities of life. He speaks of ‘pressing on’ and ‘striving’ for the fulness of life promised in Christ Jesus. Yet he is totally confident in his struggles because, as he says, ‘Christ Jesus has made me his own’.
We too have many struggles. We too know that Christ Jesus has made us his own. So we too press on with this struggle, so important in our times.
May God bless you all,
It is said that it is hard being a Christian. We certainly seem to make hard work of it. But it could be said that we are created to follow God's laws and desires because we are made in the "image and likeness of God". But since the first temptation and Fall we have been pulled away and led to follow our own desires. Baptism puts this right and resets us or re-orientates us towards God. But we live in a world of conflicting goals. Our internal world is still tainted with the old way of thinking and the external world is groaning with the ache of a world that is dying and being restored to the Kingdom of God. This is played out in our everyday decisions and world view. The "good" Samaritan was made of the same stuff as the Priest and the Levite, except he saw things differently. He didn't see a problem or inconvenience, he saw a person lying in the gutter. Both the Priest and Levite "saw him" but only the Samaritan engaged with what he saw and allowed the man to move him with compassion. Perhaps he knew what it was like to be forgotten, avoided or judged? He allowed the man into his life and in so doing invited Christ into his heart. It is not difficult, it is easy. "The word is very near to you". We can do it. We do not need to justify ourselves or prove ourselves. Jesus has done exactly this for us. He has picked us up, bandaged our wounds and brought us safely home. All we need to do is "go and do likewise." With my prayer for you everyday. God bless you Fr Graham
Seafarers and fishers play a vital role in all of our lives, but they often work in difficult, hazardous conditions. Sea Sunday is Sunday 13th July. It is when the Church prays for all those who live and work at sea. Your support will make a big difference to seafarers and fishers in need. You can donate in church, by visiting www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate , or by texting ‘SEA’ to 70460 to donate £5. This collection is vital to enable Stella Maris to continue its important work, so please give generously. Thank you.
Deacons Scott Coleman and Gary Carter will be ordained to the Priesthood at Arundel Cathedral on 5th July at 12.00pm. All are welcome to attend the Mass. Those unable to attend are invited to watch the ordination on the cathedral's livestream.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus sends out the seventy-two and gives them a word for those they visit. This word, this message, is the message of peace – and peace is the first gift of the Risen Christ to the Apostles, spoken as He appears to them in the Upper Room. In the 4th Century, as monasticism began to develop in Egypt, Syria and the Holy Land, monks would go to their spiritual fathers and ask for a word by which they might be saved. The word that was given to them, although expressed in different terms, was often about living in peace, in harmony, and in the silence that opens our hearts to the promptings of the Spirit. Just as the seventy-two offered a "word", given them by the Lord, so these monks of earlier times did the same – and this practice continues in the spiritual accompaniment sought by so many in our own times. Openness to the word demands a spirit of listening, and we might reflect that the first word of St Benedict’s Rule is “Listen.” When the seventy-two went on their journey, Jesus told them that if the word of peace was not received, it would come back to them. Listening is just as important as speaking, for the word that is spoken must find a home to be effective. This message of peace is so necessary in our present world, and the need for the spirit of listening is equally necessary. May our word to the world be that of the seventy-two, for it is the gift of the Risen Lord: “Peace be with you.” May this message find a home in the hearts of all. Peace is the gift of the Risen Lord to those gathered in the Upper Room on the first Easter Day. It is in Him that true, lasting, peace is to be found, for the Risen Lord has won the victory over sin and death. He offers us the gift of His peace – it is something real and it is a reality to be accepted. In a world where, in so many places, peace is not a reality, it is our task, always and everywhere, to offer that greeting of the seventy-two disciples and the joy that is the gift of the Risen Christ. With every blessing + Richard
In recent weeks our numbers have been slightly down, compared with the beginning of the year. Most weeks we help provide support of about 45-50 households, in recent weeks this has been 35-40 households We can but hope this is perhaps a sign that folk are finding it easier to cope, this at a time when food inflation is still higher than general inflation and food now takes a bigger slice of the household budget. In June we provided support on 507 occasions to households, 54 of these home deliveries to the most vulnerable. This provided food and household items to 1136 individuals, 298 of whom were children. Although numbers are slightly down, we are seeing a growth in families needing support. Current shortages: Breakfast Cereal, Washing-up liquid, tinned tomatoes, pasta sauce, UHT milk (semi-skimmed), red lentils, tinned fish, tinned ready meals, teabags (40s).
Our SVP members have been working closely with their counterparts in Worthing for some time now, leading by example as to how things will work when the new larger parish is formed, in line with Bishop Richard’s Pastoral Plan (copies available in the church porch). A major project (based in East Worthing) involves collecting, sorting, storing and then distributing furniture, clothing and other essentials to refugee families across the whole of our deanery. If you are interested in learning more, speak to any of the SVP members, or email the Parish office. Current need: Beds, preferably doubles, in good condition. They can collect. Speak to Ann Olliver if you can help.
Many people have commented on the homily of last week where we were reminded that St Peter was a "fisher of souls". Our "pond" in which we fish might not be as large as Ss Peter & Paul but each one of us has been given a place to fish and souls to attract for the Kingdom of Heaven. As if to underline this point, in today's Gospel, Jesus sends 72 disciples (not apostles) out into "every town and place" where He was to visit. Jesus has sent you into your home to do exactly what He asked the 72 to do - to pray, be vigilant, travel light, trust in Him, be single minded and let peace be your quest and aim. If we do this the results will surprise us. We will encounter indifference, antagonism but also the joy of seeing prayers answered and the reality of the spiritual battle. How appropriate that this week we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Peace and also Saint Benedict (patron saint of Exorcists). Mary shows us that there is power and strength in the authority of the crucified and risen Jesus, where the river of peace flows from within His pierced heart. Jesus gives this same authority to us, as He gave to the 72, to Saint Benedict, Blessed Peter Vigne and Saint Peter. He asks us to work together and He doesn't leave us alone. He also gives us His mother, as our mother, to accompany us. Our sphere of influence may be small but we can only catch one fish at a time! With my prayer for you all. God bless you, Fr Graham
This Anniversary of the Consecration marks five decades of faith, hope, and unity at Worth Abbey. Mass is at 11.00am (full schedule on the poster in the porch) and at 2:30pm an Address by Rt Rev. Jeremias Schröder OSB, Abbot Primate of the Benedictine Confederation. worthabbey.net/latest-news
Please view the PDF copy of the letter (below) from our Parish Finance Chair, Patrick O’Donoghue. We are appealing to people to review their offertory giving and consider one of these ways of helping the Parish: • Firstly, would your family be able to raise your offertory contribution by 10% or above? We understand that this may not be possible for everyone, and we are conscious that we are bombarded by price increases in many aspects of daily life. • Secondly, do you give via the collection plate or via the dona machine? These are excellent ways of giving. Another way of giving is by standing order. This is particularly helpful because it saves you having to remember your cash or your card, and it helps our parish with budgeting. • Thirdly, if you are a UK taxpayer, please gift aid your donations. By doing this, we can claw back funds for the benefit of the parish. If you have any questions please email the office. Thank you for your support To all OLQP parishioners, from the OLQP Finance Chair, Patrick O’Donoghue ... Read the document here Here is the video version of the message from our Finance Chair, Patrick O’Donoghue https://share.synthesia.io/8015d7a5-372d-48bc-8d3d-9afef4ea685c
Our friendly group usually come together on Saturday mornings, after mass at St Peter’s. We meet in the Parish Room and after a cup of tea/coffee, we watch a video, usually lasting around 50 minutes. There are two more sessions this summer (5th & 19th July), in which we will be starting the Book of Revelations, watching a series of films from renowned Bible Scholar and broadcaster, Jeff Cavins, a member of the Ascension Press team: Here he explains his ‘Great Adventure Bible Timeline’. Why not come along and give it a try? All are welcome. For more information email patsydaniels@gmail.com