Catholic priest in UK denies communion to MP over assisted dying vote

A Liberal Democrat MP has been denied Holy Communion by his parish priest following his support for new legislation legalising assisted dying in England and Wales.

Chris Coghlan, who represents Dorking and Horley, says he received an email from Father Ian Vane of St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dorking shortly before Parliament voted on the Assisted Dying Bill on 20 June. In the message, the priest warned that a vote in favour would be regarded as a “grave sin” and that Coghlan would be barred from receiving communion if he supported the bill.

Despite this, Coghlan voted in favour, backing the right of terminally ill adults with fewer than six months to live to request medical assistance to end their lives. The bill passed the Commons by a significant majority.

True to his word, Father Vane then publicly announced at Mass the following Sunday that the MP was not permitted to receive the Eucharist. The announcement was made during two services, in front of the congregation, even though Coghlan chose not to attend.

Describing the move as “outrageous”, Coghlan said it was a clear attempt to use religious authority to apply political pressure. “Religious leaders are entitled to express their views,” he said, “but trying to coerce elected representatives through threats of public exclusion crosses a line and damages the standing of religious institutions.”

Read also: Everything you need to know about the UK assisted dying bill

Coghlan has since filed a formal complaint with the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, Richard Moth, who has reportedly reached out to the MP and invited him to a private meeting to discuss the matter.

Support for Coghlan came from across the political aisle. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who introduced the bill, condemned the priest’s action as “unacceptable”, adding that MPs must be free to vote according to their conscience without facing punitive action from religious leaders.

Although the Catholic Church in England and Wales opposes assisted dying, senior leaders such as Cardinal Vincent Nichols have not advocated for disciplinary measures like denying communion. Father Vane, however, is known locally for his hardline stance on moral issues and has not issued a public comment since the incident.

Context

The Assisted Dying Bill has ignited fresh debate in both Parliament and faith communities. While a growing number of MPs see the bill as a compassionate step forward, religious groups argue it risks devaluing human life and undermining long-held ethical principles.

With the legislation now moving to the House of Lords, tensions between religious conviction and political responsibility are unlikely to ease soon.