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Other Social Issues Abortion, Human Embryology and Early Human Life Created in God's Image __________________ This year sees the 40th anniversary of the 1967 Abortion Act. Debates about medical advances and the support given to pregnant women have become prominent in recent months. Read the Briefing paper on abortion - October 2007 (PDF) A new working group has been established by the URC, Methodist Church and Baptist Union of Great Britain to examine new scientific advances in the field of embryology and early human life. They will report in the summer of 2008. They are looking at issues relating to abortion, therapeutic cloning, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, and identify current developments in scientific understanding and activity. It will suggest ethical and theological principles to guide responses to these and future developments. Assisted Dying Assisted Dying - helping terminally ill people to end their lives - has been discussed within the United Reformed Church over the past year. URC General Assembly will debate the issue in July 2007. Read the URC Report Assisted Dying (PDF) with a study guide to facilitate personal and small group discussion.
Consultation on the repeal of the law on blasphemy - a response from the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church Community Cohesion Concerns about extremism, discrimination and a disintegration of society are widespread. What does it mean to live in a society that is cohesive and integrated? How can all members of society be helped to fulfil their potential? What can Government and the churches do? We recently submitted evidence to the Government's Commission on Integration and Cohesion on behalf of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church. Read our first submission, January 2007. Read our second submission and response to the interim report, April 2007. Find out more about the Government's proposals at www.integrationandcohesion.org.uk Gambling Methodists have led the Churches in Britain in a campaign against liberalising gambling opportunities, and together with The Salvation Army continue to keep the pressure on the Government to ensure that this industry is closely regulated to minimise the risk and harm it can pose to vulnerable people. We remain deeply concerned about certain aspects of legislation, such as allowing children to play on some forms of slot-machines, and safeguards for online gambling. A new comprehensive Briefing Paper, 'Against the odds ...?', has been prepared by the Joint Public Issues Team for members of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church. Download a copy. Sexuality New Equality laws have caused concern for some Christians. We have published a Briefing Paper on the Sexual Orientation Regulations to let people know what these changes mean for churches and individuals. Alcohol Consultation - Safe, Sensible, Social Read the Churches' response to the Government consultation on alcohol consumption (pdf)
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