From the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira & Great Britain:
On Friday 12 September 2025, the House of Lords will hold the Second Reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Ahead of this debate, the bishops of the Eastern Christian communities in the United Kingdom – representing over 2.5 million faithful – have issued an historic joint open letter.
Underscoring the gravity of this decisive moment for British culture, the signatories include bishops from communities with longstanding differences from one another. Here, they affirm their shared conviction that every human being is made in the image and likeness of God, and that the dignity of every life is irreplaceable.
The letter points to the troubling experience of other countries where assisted dying has been introduced, noting the rapid erosion of safeguards and the increased risks faced by the elderly, the sick, and the disabled.
The bishops urge the House of Lords to protect life and to stand with those in need of compassion, dignity, and care – not to offer them assisted death.
