As the United Kingdom debates legalizing assisted suicide, the bishops of England and Wales said “genuine compassion” is expressed through caring for people with terminal illness.

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater introduced the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill which would enable doctors to help terminally ill adults with six months to live to kill themselves.

The English and Welsh bishops have responded that “genuine compassion is under threat”.

“‘Compassion’ means to enter into and share the suffering of another person. It means never giving up on anyone or abandoning them. It means loving them to the natural end of their life, even if and when they struggle to find meaning and purpose,” the bishops’ statement says.

“Compassion means accompanying people, especially during sickness, disability, and old age. This kind of genuine compassion is witnessed through the care and respect we show to people with terminal illness as they complete their journey in this life,” they continue.

“Life is a gift to be protected, especially when threatened by sickness and death,” the bishops say.