The Free Church of Scotland has reaffirmed its opposition to doctor-assisted suicide and praised life-affirming support for terminally ill and suffering Scots.
Members of the General Assembly – the church’s highest ruling body – backed three official deliverances setting out the denomination’s position as they met today.
The General Assembly agreed to “resist the legalisation of assisted suicide”, and “protect the sanctity of life in all circumstances” – restating its orthodox Christian stance.
It follows the vote by Scottish Parliament last week in which MSPs supported the general principals of Liam McArthur’s Assisted Dying bill.
Rev Alasdair Macleod, Moderator of the 2025 General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, said: “This is a sad and troubling time, particularly for the most vulnerable in our society. Instead of sending a clear signal that Scotland values life, and that, we as a society are focused on sourcing the best possible palliative care, the Scottish Parliament has done the opposite. We do pray that our MSP’s will change their position.”
General Assembly deliverances
The first deliverance reaffirms the Free Church’s belief that human life is “a sacred gift from God, who alone has the ultimate authority over life and death” and expresses “deep concern over the increasing societal acceptance of assisted suicide and euthanasia”.
It adds that these practices “undermine the inherent dignity of human life and will place the most vulnerable most at risk of harm”, and warns that an “intolerable burden” would be placed on healthcare professionals” should they “be requested to carry out the required procedures”.
The second deliverance states that the General Assembly upholds the “Christian duty to provide compassionate care, comfort and support to those who suffer” and urges the church to be actively involved in palliative care, pastoral care, and other support for the chronically ill.
It also commends “Christian healthcare professionals and chaplains who, in faithfulness to their calling, uphold the sanctity of life and minister to those in need”.
The third deliverance calls upon politicians to “Protect the sanctity of life in all circumstances” and “resist the legalisation of assisted suicide”.