Embryology Bill
Cardinal's Pastoral Message - 19th Feb 2008
Pastoral message from Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor
President of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales
Dear brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ,
As you will know, there is a Bill currently in Parliament which touches on profound questions of human life and dignity. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill has just completed its passage through the House of Lords and will be debated in the House of Commons in the next few weeks.
The Bill extends the scope of scientific research on human embryos and even allows the creation of animal and human hybrid embryos for research. It removes a provision to have regard for the child's need for a father when IVF methods are used. And there is every chance that there will be attempts in the House of Commons to use this Bill as a vehicle to liberalise the abortion law still further.
Many people of all faiths and none are deeply concerned by the moral questions raised by this Bill. These concerns were set out in Parish briefings sent to every parish from the Bishops' Conference to all our parishes over the last few weeks. Now is the time for our voices to be heard. This needs as many people as possible to write to - and better still - to go and see their MP and to register their deep concern about this Bill. Please urge your MP to support amendments to the Bill which would limit embryo research, recognize the need for children to have knowledge of their biological father, and which would reduce rather than increase the numbers of abortions. MPs should also request and be granted a free vote on those parts of this Bill which deals with fundamental issues of personal conscience.
During this time of Lent we are encouraged to reflect on our own lives and to rededicate ourselves as Christians to serving the Gospel in our world. Taking action on this pressing issue now helps to remind us that our Christian witness can never just be personal but involves us too as citizens committed to serving the common good of society and to upholding the human dignity of all.
With my prayers,
+Cormac Card. Murphy-O'Connor
Archbishop of Westminster - on behalf of the Bishops of England and Wales.
SPECIMEN LETTER TO YOUR LOCAL M.P
(In these or similar words as The Cardinal has asked)
Mr. Vincent Cable M.P.
Liberal Party Headquarters
2a, Lion Road
Twickenham
Middlesex
TW1 4JQ
[ Date .................]
Dear Mr. Cable,
Re: The Human Fertilization and Embryology Bill
1. Human life is sacred - yet inviolable only if it is recognised as such and given the protection of the laws of a country. The bill that has already passed through the House of Lords represents a signal departure from moral standards that have underpinned every civilised human society until now. The choice to compromise in these matters at any level threatens life at every level and all life becomes a mere commodity.
2. I object to this bill's unprecedented legal provisions. Please be conscientious on my behalf in supporting the amendments to this bill so that embryo research is reduced to a minimum, the need for children to know their own father is defended and that the numbers of abortions in this country will be reducing rather than be facilitated at will.
3. Thank you for all the hard work you do in this constituency and for representing us in the affairs of government. Your leadership and good sense in the national political arena is widely appreciated.
Yours sincerely
[ ......................................... ]
1. OPTIONAL
People do not like to be lectured. These points are nevertheless fundamental and indicate the moral stance of the author.
2. ESSENTIAL
Part of the letter must make clear the writer's fundamental objection.
3. RECOMMENDED
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Date all letters. Do not make the letter too long.