Philip Mounstephen

Letter from Bishop of London to The Guardian: Kim Leadbeater’s proposed amendment to the assisted dying bill has filled me and many others with grave concern. Leadbeater has described the bill as the “most robust piece of legislation on this issue in the world”. However, the removal of judicial oversight significantly weakens the safeguards, raising concerns about what other measures may be dropped through the legislative process or through the interpretation of clinicians. While it will be essential to involve multidisciplinary teams if the law is changed, this need not have come at the expense of judicial oversight. While we do not yet know who will be appointed to the proposed expert panels, concerns have already been raised that there will inevitably be a self-selection bias to the voluntary assisted dying commission. My background as a nurse and as a priest tells me that the best safeguard is the current law. I urge parliament to reject this bill. It is neither safe nor compassionate. Instead, we should be focusing on providing the best possible palliative care services. Dying people should be offered hope, not fear. Sarah Mullally Bishop of London and lead bishop for health and social care, Church of England

Bishop of London: "The best safeguard is the current law. I urge Parliament to reject this Bill. It is neither safe nor compassionate. We should be focusing on providing the best possible palliative care services. Dying people should be offered hope, not fear."

www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

On this, Holocaust Memorial Day, it’s hard and tragic to believe that some think diversity training doesn’t matter.

Today we remember St. Agnes, martyred at Rome in 304 - and the countless others who still suffer for their faith today. (Stained glass depiction of St. Agnes from the Ascension, Bitterne Park.)

A joy to be at the Ascension, Bitterne Park yesterday. Joyful worship under this magnificent stained glass window with the ascended Lord surrounded by so many people who by God’s grace have made the Diocese of Winchester and the city of Southampton such historically significant places.

Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Winchester, standing in front of a backdrop with the logos and hashtag #WorldWatchList of Open Doors UK.

The Bishop of Winchester, @pmounstephen.bsky.social, has spoken of the 'very concerning rise' in the denial of freedom of religion or belief around the world, at the House of Commons launch of the Open Doors World Watch List 2025 today.

Chart showing rapidly rising temperatures with 2024 the worst

2024 daily temperatures compared to past years. A frightening graphic from the BBC. #ClimateEmergency

Making common cause for the common good: very good to meet Lord Khan and colleagues at MHCLG with fellow Church Works commissioners. A positive meeting sharing common objectives in an increasingly fractured and fractious word.

Sadly not!

An honour to be at the launch of this report under this picture of Wilberforce in the Commons. No was more persistent for so long in the cause of justice. #Forbmatters for everyone, everywhere

40 (count ‘em!) people confirmed tonight in Winchester Cathedral. All ages and stages from all across the diocese: one good God.

Very pleased to have been at Brompton Oratory this evening for #RedWednesday and to see a brave advocate for her own community appropriately honoured. Thanks to @acn_uk for the remarkable work they do.

Britain must not be a spectator at this carnage 365m Christians are facing high levels of religious persecution and discrimination

This #RedWednesday it's high time the UK Government appointed a new Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief #FoRBmatters everywhere, for everyone:

capx.co/britain-must...

'Smile please! A real joy to visit Home Start Winchester today, with local Vicar Marianne, to see they excellent work they are doing to support children and families in their earliest years in a place of significant deprivation.'

Floreat Magdalena!

Kim Leadbeater has warned MPs against rejecting the bill if they are undecided. But that is exactly what they should do if they are undecided. You can turn the clock forwards on these things much more easily than turning it back.

Liking the other place less and less, will be here more and more, I suspect. My advocacy for global #FoRB makes me very suspicious of manipulation of what should be an open platform for the reasonable, respectful exchange of opinions.

My best endeavours will be exercised in your favour.

Indeed. Did you know about the plans for a statue in the Close to be unveiled next year for her 250th? High time too!

My Christmas present ☺️😉