British politician criticizes priest for denying communion after voting for assisted suicide

A British politician has publicly criticized his pastor for denying the Eucharist after voting in favor of the bill on suicide assisted in the United Kingdom.

Chris Coghlan, parliamentarian of the Democratic Liberal Party, spoke on Sunday In social networks And, according to It is informedhe complained to Bishop Richard Moth, from the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, qualifying the fact as “outrageous.”

Fr. Ian Vane, pastor of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Dorking (Surrey), had previously warned Coghlan – before the June 20 vote – to support the controversial project It would constitute a form of “stubborn perseverance in sin.” Two days later, the priest would have mentioned Coghlan by name from the pulpit. The politician represents Dorking and Horley in Parliament.

Coghlan described the attitude of the priest as “totally inappropriate” and said that “undermines the legitimacy of religious institutions.”

In social networks, the deputy said that what happened is “serious public interest” and denounced the pressure faced by religious parliamentarians during sensitive votes. He said it was “deeply disrespectful with my family, my voters – lifting parishioners – and with the democratic process.”

However, their statements generated a strong reaction in social networks, where many users came out in defense of P. Vane and criticized the behavior of the parliamentarian.

Several commentators recalled the Vatican doctrinal note On the participation of Catholics in public life, which states: “A well -formed Christian conscience does not allow to vote for political programs or individual laws that contradict the fundamental contents of faith and morals.”

The same note emphasizes: “Those directly involved in the elaboration of laws have the serious and clear obligation to oppose any law that threatens human life. For them, as for every Catholic, it is impossible to promote or vote for such laws.”

The Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton too He spokereaffirming the position of the Church on the subject, although recognizing the complexity of the debate.

“The Catholic Church believes in the holiness of life and in the dignity of every person,” said the diocese. He added that Bishop Richard Moth spoke with Coghlan “earlier this week and has offered to meet personally to discuss the issues and concerns.”

Catholic bishops warn about serious consequences

The controversy occurs in a context of repeated warnings by Catholic bishops and other voices about the risks of legalizing assisted death in the United Kingdom.

Archbishop John Sherrington, from Liverpool, responsible for life issues at the Episcopal Conference of England and Wales, said feeling “shocked and disappointed”For the approval of the bill.

“Allowing medical personnel to help patients to end their lives will change the culture of medical care and generate legitimate fears in people with disabilities or in situations of special vulnerability,” he said.

Both Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, and Archbishop Sherrington, had already warned that Catholic hospices and centers could be forced to close if this legislation is approved, since they could be legally obliged to collaborate with the procedures of assisted death.

To become law, the project must still be approved in the House of Lords – the Upper Upper Chamber of the British Parliament. Although it can be amended in that step, it is expected to be approved, given the support he has already received in the House of the Commons.

Translated and adapted by ACI Press. Originally published in CNA.