The Public Morals committee have issued a statement re the Bill on Assisted suicide.
The Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches firmly opposes the proposed “Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill” and calls upon all M.Ps to reject any measures that would legalise assisted suicide. Every life is precious As Christians, we believe in the inherent value of every human life, and that life is a sacred gift from God. The intentional ending of a life, no matter the circumstances, is contrary to Scripture and to the moral principles upon which our society should be grounded. The Bible teaches that life is a precious creation, entrusted to us by God (Psalm 139:13-16), and that we are called to love and care for one another, especially during times of suffering. Assisted suicide, by its very nature, undermines this profound respect for human life, offering a solution that seeks to end life rather than to alleviate suffering in compassionate and dignified ways. We believe that compassion should be shown in ways that honour the sanctity of life. Palliative care, hospice, and other forms of support are proven to help people manage their suffering. Such a law may contribute to a dangerous cultural shift where we view life as expendable and suffering as something to be eliminated rather than understood and supported. We have many other very real concerns if assisted suicide is legalised. Safeguards are worthless Those who campaign in favour of the Bill are laying much emphasis on the stringent built-in safeguards. History in similar legislation prove that safeguards normally are progressively removed or ignored. Assisted dying is not painless and dignified Assisted dying is not peaceful, dignified nor painless. According to experts the adverse effects of the lethal drugs used include vomiting, myoclonus ( the sudden involuntary twitching or jerking of the muscles) and a prolonged dying process of up to 48 hours. Assisted dying is inconsistent with doctors code of ethics The majority of doctors in UK are opposed to assisted suicide. The 1949 International Code of Medical Ethics states, “A doctor must always bear in mind the obligation of preserving human life.” This makes participating in assisting a suicide incompatible with their role as a healer.
Danger to the vulnerable Assisted suicide pressurises vulnerable into ending their lives prematurely for fear of becoming a financial, emotional or care burden. When they feel they would be better off dead the availability of legal suicide seems an easy option. The compassionate response would be to assure them of their worth and the offer of good palliative care. Promote Compassion and Care In light of these concerns, we call on politicians to prioritise the well-being of all people, especially the most vulnerable, and to reject the legalisation of assisted suicide. Instead, let us work together to promote policies that foster a culture of life, providing individuals with the care, dignity, and hope they need, even in the face of suffering. We pray for wisdom and compassion as politicians consider this important issue, and we urge them to vote against the Assisted Suicide Bill. to edit.
08.07.21
Statement on behalf of
Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches
As a group of Methodist Churches throughout Northern Ireland, we are committed to upholding and defending the doctrines of the Word of God, including the traditional Biblical teaching on marriage.
We are therefore deeply saddened by the decision of the Methodist Church in Great Britain to redefine marriage to include homosexuality, to conduct same sex weddings and approve of cohabitation as an alternative to marriage. The fact that they state that it was after several years of consultation throughout the denomination and was passed by 254 votes to 46 reveals how widespread the departure from Scripture is within the denomination. If instead they had consulted with the Scriptures and sought the will of God with an open mind, they would have come to a different conclusion. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism described the mission of Methodism as: “to reform the nation and the church, to spread Scriptural holiness over the land.” It is a tragedy that today the Methodist church in Britain, which was raised up to “spread Scriptural holiness throughout the land” is now endorsing what the Scripture condemns as sin.
As a conservative Methodist denomination, we reaffirm our commitment to Scriptural holiness and to the defence and proclamation of Biblical truth. We would call on all churches and individuals who bear the name of Methodist to state unequivocally their disapproval of this departure from the Word of God and to break all fellowship with what is now clearly an apostate church.
William R Park Public Morals committee of Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches.
29.04.21
A Statement on behalf of The Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches As a denomination we are deeply concerned by the increasing spiritual and moral decadence in our province. Scripture teaches us that "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” Prov 14:34.
It is alarming to witness the decline in moral standards and departure from the teaching of Holy Scripture during recent generations. The situation is evidenced by recent legislation introduced such as the legalising of same sex marriage, and the actions of the Secretary of State in overruling the devolved powers at Stormont to implement here the most liberal abortion laws in the UK. The recent motion to introduce a bill to ban conversion therapy in all its forms received overwhelming support by our legislators. They refused an amendment that would have removed it applying to Christian conversion and counselling. If passed as proposed it will criminalise praying, counselling, and preaching on these issues.
The fact that such laws receive acceptance by a considerable proportion of our society reveals how far our people have turned away from God. For this trend to be halted we believe there must be either judgement from God or national repentance and a spiritual revival.
We are reminded of the words of Arthur Wallis “Because of His very nature, God cannot and will not permit spiritual decline to continue unchecked. He is ever halting and reversing the trend of the times by either judgement or revival. Where his people are not prepared for the one, they shut themselves up to the other." (In the Day of thy Power).
Our General Council have set aside Sat 8th May as a day of prayer by all our churches for a spiritual revival in our land. Let us seek God that He might be merciful to us and visit us again in revival. We will be holding Zoom prayer meetings at 10.00am, 2.00pm & 8.00pm. For further information contact your local Independent Methodist Minister.
We would invite other Christians, Churches and Mission halls to join with us by organising special times of prayer on that day. We need a united volume of fervent intercession for our nation. We believe this is our only hope for Ulster. Will you join with us at this critical time for our land?