UK Priest Denies Communion Over Assisted Dying Vote

A British Catholic priest has warned a local member of the Liberal Democrats that he would face rejection if he supported the controversial UK Assisted Dying Bill, commonly referred to as the Suicide Law.

Despite this warning, Chris Coglan voted in favor of the bill on June 20, stating that his decision was guided by his “conscience.”

Father Ian Bain, from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dorking, underscored the connection between political choices and the Eucharist, asserting that support for such liberal policies could impact one’s ability to receive communion.

“Deliberate euthanasia, whatever its form or motive, is murder.”

After being informed he would be denied communion, Coglan expressed outrage online, labeling the priest’s actions as “outrageous.” He has lodged a complaint with Bishop Richard Moss, who has publicly criticized the bill as a “serious intervention in democracy.” The bishop emphasized that a lawmaker’s faith should be considered when voting on such morally sensitive matters.

Coglan mentioned receiving an email from a local priest shortly before his vote on the bill, expressing discomfort about being implicated in a “murder act.” He argued that such a vote would be a “clear violation” of the Church’s teachings, making it impossible for him to receive communion without causing scandal.

Coglan refuted the priest’s characterization of assisted dying as a “murder act,” suggesting that the priest misunderstood the Church’s stance on these complex issues.

While some liberal lawmakers have noted that faith is important to Coglan, they argue he seems to misunderstand the Church’s clear position against euthanasia and suicide.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “deliberate euthanasia, whatever its form or motive, is murder,” and it vehemently opposes suicide, labeling it as “forbidden by the Fifth Commandment.”

Canon 915 states that communion should be denied to those who persist in grave sin, including serious crimes related to euthanasia.

Bishop Moss had previously advised his parishioners to vote against the bill, urging them to “seriously pray” for the dignity of all human life.

Despite assurances of safeguards, evidence from countries like Canada and Belgium shows that laws allowing assisted dying often lead to broader interpretations, sometimes including those with mental illnesses or terminal diagnoses. Since the legalization of assisted dying in Canada, approximately 4.7% of all deaths were attributed to this practice last year.

After the parliamentary vote, which passed 314 to 291 in favor of changing the laws, Bishop John Sherrington expressed his shock and disappointment at the outcome.

Coglan claimed that the priest openly stated during Mass that he would deny him communion due to his vote, escalating tensions further.

In response, some left-leaning politicians have criticized the pressures religious lawmakers face, arguing that they should be free to represent their constituents without such influences.

Coglan noted that his faith influences his role as an MP, but he believes in maintaining the separation of personal beliefs from professional duties. He even suggested that public places should become secular to avoid conflicts with individual beliefs.

Though some secularists have rallied behind him, others from more orthodox Christian backgrounds have criticized his stance.

Supporters of the priest’s actions argue that faith should inherently guide moral decisions, especially on sensitive topics like euthanasia.