Policy Areas - Life and Death

Iran asked to stop execution of man for "enmity against God"

agency reporter — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:19:34 +0000

Human rights groups have entered last minute pleas to the Iran to halt the imminent execution of a Kurdish man sentenced to death for "enmity against God" in connection with his alleged membership of an opposition group.

Protest over looming Texas execution as jury consults Bible

staff writers — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:35:17 +0100

In the aftermath of the World Day Against the Death Penalty on 10 October, Amnesty International has highlighted several cases of people facing execution - including one in the USA being distorted by religious fundamentalism.

Care and control at life's end

Savi Hensman — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:03:15 +0100

It is disappointing, says Savi Hensman, that so many people who are passionate about the assisted dying debate (whether for or against legalisation) do not seem nearly as concerned to tackle violations of dignity which can be prevented at present.

Legal clarity is in the interest of all

Simon Beard — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:12:04 +0100

All sides of the assisted dying debate should welcome the publication, by the director of public prosecutions, of the factors that are to be taken into consideration when applying the law on assisted

Congo Christians oppose death penalty for two Norwegians

Ecumenical News International — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:11:34 +0100

Church leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo are urging the government of the central African nation to rescind death sentences pronounced on two Norwegians

Church's mixed messages on the sanctity of life

Symon Hill — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:33:16 +0100

Believers in the sanctity of life might be somewhat confused by the Church of England's latest communications update.

Purdy welcomes new Lords ruling on assisted dying, not suicide

staff writers — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:56:46 +0100

In a landmark ruling from the House of Lords, the final appeal court in the UK, a woman with multiple sclerosis has won her court battle to have the law on assisted dying clarified.

Shock and outrage at neglect of mental health patients

staff writers — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 17:15:11 +0100

High levels of neglect and poor quality care in UK mental health wards have been revealed in an official report published today. 39% of suicides by hanging were undertaken by patients who were supposed to be under close observation.

British Methodist leader highlights Rwanda tragedy 15 years on

staff writers — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:40:36 +0100

The president of the Methodist Conference has joined public figures from around the world in lighting a candle for Rwanda on camera, to highlight the consequences of the genocide there.

Writer says terminally ill should have the choice of assisted dying

staff writers — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:31:11 +0100

English fantasy novelist Terry Pratchett has said he believes it is ethical to allow people to be able to choose to have assisted death "when medicine cannot do any more". Others disagree.

Religious concerns highlighted as California resumes executions

Julia Collings — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:16:34 +0100

California is to resume executions after a three-year hiatus. Campaigners have responded to the proposed lethal injection regulations with a series of concerns placing a strong focus on religious and spiritual freedoms.

Faith groups seeks action on laws that impede struggle against HIV

Stephen Brown — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 20:45:18 +0100

Civil society and faith groups campaigning on HIV and AIDS have urged United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to step up efforts to combat discrimination and criminalisation that prevent access to infomation and services.

Church leaders appeal against China death sentences for Kenyans

Ecumenical News International — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:58:03 +0100

A number of Kenyan church leaders are urging their government to move swiftly to save the lives of citizens of the east African country who have been sentenced to death in China. Five are currently on death row awaiting execution.

Lutheran leader condemns murder of US abortion doctor

Ecumenical News International — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:10:50 +0100

Lutheran leaders in the United States have joined other church chiefs in condemning the killing of abortion doctor George Tiller in the lobby of Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas, where he served and worshipped.

Texas governor blocks limited move against the death penalty

Julia Collings — Wed, 27 May 2009 09:30:44 +0100

Amid pressure from both sides, the governor of Texas has blocked part of a bill which would have prevented the death penalty being used for a particular category of people convicted under a provision called the Law of Parties.