The Church of Scotland has stated that it is ‘partially opposed’ to the proposed legalisation of assisted suicide in Scotland, while acknowledging that its position is under review.

In written evidence to a group of MSPs consulting on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill, the Church said it ‘affirms the value and dignity of every human life’ and that ‘Great care must be taken in seeking to exercise authority over that life’. It warns that the legislation would ‘represent a significant shift for the whole of society… from which there would be no return’. It called for protection of all professionals who could be potentially involved in the assisted dying process but would wish to ‘opt out’ for moral reasons, including chaplains.

However the statement, which was developed in consultation with a range of groups including CrossReach, the operating name of the Church’s Social Care Council, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion group, Theological Forum and Assisted Dying review group (which is due to report to next year’s General Assembly), admitted that the church is ‘living with diversity of opinion on this issue’.

Emma Jackson, convener of the Church’s Public Life and Social Justice Programme Group, said: “The issue of assisted dying is sensitive and personal, yet of deep importance to us in the Church.

“We are mindful that it can be a painful and difficult idea for some of us to even think about and we acknowledge the diversity of opinion and theology on this.

“We have sought to discuss and disagree well on this hugely significant public issue, and our response seeks to represent this approach.”