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Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton invites people in the community to join with him for an interfaith prayer service in response to the Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation currently being debated by the West Australian government.

The interfaith prayer service to be held on Sunday 29 September at 3pm at St Mary’s Cathedral will be an opportunity for the Perth community to pray for parliamentarians.

Bishop Sproxton highlighted that the prayer service is not a rally or a political event, but the opportunity for people from all walks of life to come and pray for discernment and courage for our parliamentarians in the WA Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council.

“Respect for human life, from conception to natural death, is a fundamental pillar of what it means to be human and hence it is with sincere hearts that we should come together,” Bishop Sproxton said.

“A significant fact in this VAD debate is that decisions individuals make about their desire to determine the time and manner of their death has implications beyond their own lives,” he said.

Bishop Sproxton went on to say that all of us - governments, churches, institutions, families and individuals - must accept responsibility to truly care for and support people throughout their lives, especially as they come close to death.

“How can we strengthen and support those many institutions in our society which can help us maintain and develop a deep sense of compassion, generosity, and a ready acceptance of our mutual responsibility for each other,” Bishop Sproxton questioned.

“All parishioners and congregations will be welcome at this event as we face this significant moral issue, reminding us of the importance of careful listening, informed dialogue and prayerful discernment.

Media Contact:
Brett Mendez, Media Manager, Archdiocese of Perth
0448 791 661 | brett.mendez@perthcatholic.org.au