Dying Catholic MP Denied Last Rites…
- Conservative MP Sir David Amess died after an attack at his Essex constituency surgery. Read more
- Father Jeffrey Woolnough offered to administer the last rites to Sir David, who was stabbed multiple times.
- Essex Police, treating the murder as a terrorist incident, told Insider that the crime scene’s integrity had to be preserved.
Editor writes…
I’m confident that all Catholic Truth bloggers and readers will be remembering the soul of Sir David Amess in our prayers, and praying for the consolation of his family.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace…
According to Lifenews, Sir David was a staunch pro-lifer, but although I’ve heard his devotion to animal rights mentioned in a number of reports, there has been little mention of his work for the unborn. I’m aware of a BBC report which included this information, so in case I missed something else, I’ll leave it there.
The fact, though, that any Catholic would be denied the Last Sacraments in this way is shocking, and it is very clear evidence of the ignorance about Catholic belief and practice in the population at large and even within State agencies, such as the police force. Is it also, perhaps, yet more evidence were that needed, that the entire UK is Godless: well and truly Godless?
Comments (25)
Blessed repose and eternal memory!
It is outrageous that Sir David was denied the Last Rites, when his priest appeared at the scene and showed his ID.
I think I’m right in saying that the perpetrator didn’t flee the scene but waited and was soon taken into custody, so what on earth they had to do to “preserve the scene” beats me.
It’s because the officers would assume that the priest was only there to say a few prayers – they haven’t a clue. I found this page about the Sacrament of Extreme Unction (which we always called the Sacrament of the Sick before V2) so I thought I would post it for information in case novus ordo Catholics are not sure about it so much has changed.
https://www.olrl.org/Lessons/Lesson27.shtml
Sir David Amess, Requiescant in Pace.
Fidelis,
I’ve just found this very surprising article by Brendan O’Neill on Spiked Online dated today – it’s really good.
https://www.spiked-online.com/2021/10/18/denying-david-amess-the-last-rites-was-a-dreadful-decision/
I’m wondering if the priest could have been just a bit more pushy – he is quoted as saying he respects the police’s decision. I don’t. We need to get back some of that “fighting for the faith” spirit that has become something of a rarity.
Yes, a crime scene with policemen, medics and doctor milling around. The attacker was immediately in custody as he gave himself up. No damage to the crime scene was likely or even possible. The police have no respect for Christianity. We have seen this repeatedly in respect of their ignorant brutality in Covid circumstances.
Yet we may be sure that they would not treat a muslim that way.
The police in this country are now entirely dissociated from the people and are now a force of oppression.
The police are not alone in thinking it is OK to keep the priest back until the prison has died. They think the priest is there to hold a dead hand and do some praying over a corpse*. The priest might have been a bit more forceful, though.
*I have had to address this mistaken view elsewhere and did so as,
“… Faith is as real to Catholics as the Sun and Moon. It is more important than life. The “Last Rites” are the Sacrament of Extreme Unction which is preferably administered while the recipient is conscious and able to speak. It is an opportunity for a Last Confession, and for the recipient to enter into a State of Grace (if not already there), making his peace with God, so that the recipient may be welcomed into His loving arms. To prevent it is a moral crime of the highest order.”
I’ve just been sent a lovely picture of Sir David Amess and Cardinal Burke. David Amess was holding out some rosary beads and Cardinal Burke was blessing them. Sorry I can’t upload it. Yes, this is outrageous. I bet if the boot were on the other foot and a muslim had been slaughtered by a non-muslim, the police would have let the Imam through to do whatever was necessary according to their beliefs, for fear of being censured of ‘cultural insensitivity’. Catholics don’t count, of course. Perhaps someone ought to start an organisation “Catholic Lives Matter”. Also, the narrative I am hearing already on TV is mainly about the safety of MP’s and I don’t doubt that in the near future we’ll be seeing MP pay rises and tax-payer funded police protection, while completely ignoring the elephant in the room – Islam. Anyway, may Sir David Amess rest in peace, and may God forgive and convert his murderer.
Also, I meant to add in this orgy of fear by MP’s about their own protection, they seem to care little about the protection of all the rest of us, of varying professions, whose lives have been ended or adversely affected by the attacks of Islamists.
westminsterfly,
I can’t help admitting that I’ve been smiling quite a bit when I watch the endless chatter about keeping the MPs safe. After all the talk and the slogan “stay safe”, it doesn’t seem to dawn on them that nobody can be completely safe!
Laura,
“Stay safe” (pointless) slogan – well said!
This article confirms my suspicion that the government are overlooking Islamic terrorism and putting disproportionate emphasis on the much smaller problem of far-right terrorism, out of political correctness, and the old canard of being accused of ‘Islamophobia’: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10110935/How-Islamist-terrorists-four-attacks-referred-Prevent.html Well, they can continue playing those politically-correct games, and kow-towing to extremists, but if they do, then it’s only matter of time before the next atrocity. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for all of us.
They’re definitely avoiding that conversation about Islamist terrorism. I saw a good article somewhere the other day which said they’re actually treating this issue as if it’s a natural disaster – LOL!
I know not what First Hand The Polis views on Catholics in other parts of Britain, but here in Scotland Well ED I don’t want to say as they might Just have a glance at this and come in and grab your P. C. To protect Freedom of Speech of course. God Have mercy on this Good Man .
As for forgiveness for the Polis who held back a Priest from giving Him the Last Rites , that’s certainly not mine to grant.
On the Sancta Familia Facebook site, someone (I think this guy is actually a priest) contends that the media are correct in dubbing the late Sir David as ‘anti-abortion’, rather than pro-life, ‘because he supported capital punishment’ ….
So in other words, anyone who says evil-doers the likes of Myra Hindley fully deserve capital punishment can’t call themselves pro-life, otherwise they are hypocrites??
Surely this mindset is mince. Comments, please
Pat,
That link with capital punishment is a cover for NOT being anti-abortion., Either that or it comes from a person without the intellectual ability to distinguish guilty person (murderer) from innocent (unborn baby). There is just no moral equivalence but they can’t see it. Blind as bats, spiritually and morally speaking.
Pat McKay
This might help: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_and_capital_punishment, To sum up, until Pope Francis, the Church has always taught that capital punishment is acceptable under certain circumstances. And as it says on Wikipedia: Nonetheless, a doctrinal memorandum from the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith clarified that “If a Catholic were to be at odds with the Holy Father on the application of capital punishment… he would not for that reason be considered unworthy to present himself to receive Holy Communion. While the Church exhorts civil authorities… to exercise discretion and mercy in imposing punishment on criminals, it may still be permissible… to have recourse to capital punishment.” So the CDF has stated that if you disagree with the Pope on this issue, it’s not the same as being pro-abortion and going to Holy Communion.
W.Fly . To be Honest anything and I mean anything ,Horror Bergoglio says about Catholicism is now completely Off The Table as far as am concerned. The First requirement surely is The Pope Should Be a Catholic and not a Communist.
Anyone with Half a Brain who Has read of the Terrible Deeds this Awful Man has done to The Catholic Church since 2013 , and Believes He’s a Catholic needs something examined.
Even Bergoglios Little Knowledge of Scripture when he tries to Quote it is in the Age Group of a Young Boy . Typical of course was His Now Pride Banner Slogan — Who Am I To Judge–
Never in my Lifetime did I imagine that I would see a Non Catholic as Pope.
What an outrage this murder was, unbelievable.
It was also outrageous that Sir David was denied the last rites, a situation which may have caused him further distress in his last moments – if he was aware of the situation with the priest being refused access by Police.
I think it is a sad reflection of the religious ignorance of many today. With the natural failure of (all variants) of protestantism in the UK, very many people are left completely ignorant regarding religion and struggle to understand its importance to adherents.
No doubt this is especially true regarding Catholicism which, being the true faith, comes in for particularly nasty treatment in the media and other sources.
I could not imagine Police acting in such a way when my Grandparents were young, around the time of WW2, for example.
My thoughts and prayers are with Sir David’s family and I will pray for the repose of his soul too.
I heard a funny story about him: he had what he called a “Holy Sweet” displayed in his office. Once, when he met the Pope, those present were invited to present articles for the Pope to bless. However Sir David had forgotten to bring a suitable item and all he had in his pocket was a boiled sweet – which the Pope duly blessed for him!
Fr Ray Blake has made a formal complaint to the relevant Police force regarding this incident and is encouraging others to do the same. He describes the Police actions as a “hate crime”. He gives relevant information in the tweet linked below:
https://twitter.com/raylblake/status/1449420404918034440
Gabriel Syme,
That’s a brilliant suggestion – I haven’t heard anything about Fr Ray Blake for so long now that I’d just about forgotten all about him. Welcome back (to my memory!)
I will definitely email the Essex Police about this.
Editor,
Good on you. I will also bend their ear.
Re: Fr Blake – like several people I have heard of, (clergy and lay), I think he has largely stopped blogging due to the poor quality of the Bergoglio papacy, lest he say something he might regret.
Gabriel Syme,
For your interest, here’s my email to the Essex police – only an “enquiries” email available, the “complaints” link wouldn’t work, surprise, surprise!
For the Attention of the Essex Police Fire and Crime Commissioner
I write to express my concerns, in the strongest possible terms, about the shocking fact that the Catholic MP, Sir David Amess was denied the Last Sacraments of the Church due to the unprofessional – and religiously illiterate – actions of the police in attendance, following his stabbing on Friday, 15 October.
The Last Rites of the Church are of major importance to Catholics. Due to ignorance, many people (apparently including the officer(s) who refused the priest admittance) assume that the priest is there to do nothing more than say a few prayers. This is false.
Reports reveal that “medical staff battling to save [Sir David] could not stabilise him enough to take him to hospital” which indicates that the MP did not die immediately and thus should have been permitted the consolation of having the priest absolve him in Confession and apply the ceremonies (oils) and prayers of the Church to prepare his soul to meet his Maker and Judge. It is unthinkable that the thin pretext of “preserving the crime scene” was used to refuse the priest entry when there were other people around, including medical staff. When in danger of death, any Catholic worthy of the name is more concerned about the salvation of his soul, than bodily health – or even preserving a crime scene.
I know others are considering reporting this as a “hate crime” – personally, I think it is more to do with sheer religious ignorance and/or apathy, but I do agree with my friends who insist that no police officer anywhere in the UK would have refused entry to an Imam or any other religious cleric, were the victim a member of any other religious group. Catholics seem to be held in contempt – but then Christ did warn of this: “As the world has hated Me, so it will hate you.” (John 15:18).
Please take all necessary action to provide the necessary training so that your officers are more intelligently equipped to ensure that, in future, any Catholic patient or victim, possibly in danger of death, is guaranteed the services of a priest at that most serious of all moments in our life. Ends.
Allowing for genuine ignorance, and no malice aforethought, I just hope these emails will make some impact, and prevent similar refusals in the future.
It’s terrible to think any one of us could be denied the Last Sacraments due to some officious person, whether in policing or in the NHS. I have heard of that happening in hospitals where the priest isn’t allowed in. How dare anyone take that upon themselves.
Sir David Amess seems to have been a really kind person and a very active pro-lifer so that will stand him in good stead at his judgment.
May he rest in peace.
I’m not a natural Tory, but I have to admit that Sir David Amess seems to have been a really good person, a devoted family man and conscientious MP. Add to that his pro-life work, and the fact that, by all accounts, his Catholic faith meant a lot to him, and we can be hopeful of his salvation.
I wonder if he was interested in the traditional Mass or in any way aware of the Fatima connection with what has been going on in the world, re Covid? It would be interesting to know.
RIP.
Sorry, I’ve been Missing in Action today and I’m really only popping in now to ask for your prayers, folks, for a personal intention. Nothing disastrous, so don’t think you’ll be getting rid of me any time soon… 😀
Needless to say, I’ve had zippo response from the police in Essex but the priest concerned, to whom I forwarded my email, replied very kindly to thank me.
So, we battle on…
Re being “Missing in Action”, I always seem to miss the Holy Day threads! I saw St. Teresa of Avila a few days ago and it was already closed. (Then again, you’re 5 hours ahead of Philadelphia… )
So even though it’s a few days late, here goes:
When I was in my senior year at the university, the new chaplain had classes to train Eucharistic ministers. My friends thought I’d make a great EMHC.
Now in the Byzantine Tradition (Catholic & non-Catholic), only a bishop, priest or deacon distributes Holy Communion. Also, from reading The Fatima Crusader, I knew about Memoriale Domini and that lay people should not distribute Holy Communion.
However, I was very gullible and was persuaded to become an EMHC. I also was a sacristan too. I took my duties seriously even though I was very uncomfortable being an EMHC.
The last time I was an EMHC was Oct. 10, 1993.
Shortly after that, I started having doubts about the Real Presence of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. When I went to Liturgy and said the prayer before Holy Communion I felt like a liar. All the priests I went to for confession told me that Our Lord meant what He said in John 6.
This lasted for **12 years**. On the morning of Oct. 15, 2005, the Feast of St. Teresa of Avila, God delivered me. It was not through a book or anything like that – He just delivered me. I don’t know how to explain it.
That was 16 years ago and I cannot thank God enough for His Mercy towards me. ❤❤❤
Margaret USA,
I know exactly what you mean. I was once caught out and asked to be an EMHC. I did it to please the priest but never felt right. It’s amazing that you were given help on the Feast of St Teresa of Avila, that’s wonderful. I just stopped going to that parish – it wasn’t my own, anyway, but I went to the vigil Mass there and I got cured of that too, thank God!
A Labour MP is seeking to add an “Amess amendment” to legislation currently passing through the House of Commons.
This would make it law that priests could access dying Catholics to administer the last rights, including at crime scenes.
Hopefully this will pass into law and affect the whole of the UK.
Typically, it seems the only voices undermining the move or urging caution are small-c “c”atholics and prelates (see link).
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58982505?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA
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