The Bishops of Chelmsford and Brentwood have spoken out against euthanasia, claiming its legalisation would radically undermine the moral and legal basis of society.
Anglican Bishop of Chelmsford John Perry, who retired this week, and Roman Catholic Bishop of Brentwood Thomas McMahon wrote a joint letter to The Times newspaper about the subject.
They said: "Legalising euthanasia would contradict a fundamental principle, that every life, however oppressed by disability or suffering, is worthwhile and should be valued and protected equally by the law. This principle applies to voluntary and involuntary euthanasia.
"It is important not to argue from any individual case but rather to consider the common good of society as a whole. Any change in the law would have important social consequences and undermine the relationship between patient and doctor.
"Inevitably other circumstances would creep in and elderly or sick people could be made to feel a burden and then we run the risk that the right to die would become the duty to die."
Published Tuesday, June 10, 2003
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