Read it all, noting especially the final motion on the Independent Commission on Assisted Dying
Mrs Sarah Finch (London) moved:
‘That this Synod express its concern that the Independent Commission on Assisted Dying is insufficiently independent to be able to develop proposals which will properly protect the interests of vulnerable and disabled people.’
Following debate and amendment, the motion was carried in the following form:
‘That this Synod
a) express its concern that the Independent Commission on Assisted Dying was insufficiently independent to be able to develop proposals which will properly protect the interests of vulnerable and disabled people;
b) endorse the responses to the Commission on Assisted Dying referred to in paragraphs 7 and 8 of GS 1851B;
c) affirm the intrinsic value of every human life and express its support for the current law on assisted suicide as a means of contributing to a just and compassionate society in which vulnerable people are protected; and
d) celebrating the considerable improvement in the quality of care of the dying brought about by the hospice and palliative care movements and by the input of clinicians, clergy and others, encourage the Church’s continued involvement in the wider agenda of the care of those approaching the end of their lives and the support of those caring for them.’
In a full count of the Synod, there voted in favour 284, against none, with four abstaining.
Update: Riazat Butt did a liveblog of the proceedings–check it out.