On the occasion of the controversy surrounding a priest who was prevented from ministering the sacraments to the murdered MP David Amess, Cardinal Nichols and the police, promise to work together on the issue.

Newsroom (November 14, 2021, 4:00 PM, Gaudium Press) Last October 15, British parliamentarian, David Amess, a practicing Catholic was stabbed several times.

Medical help was quickly notified and professionals tried for about two hours to keep the politician alive but without success.

During this period of agony, a priest came forward to administer the last sacraments to the Catholic parliamentarian. But he was prevented by the police because it was a crime scene. The fact generated controversy in England.

After the incident, some politicians proposed an amendment to the law, nicknamed the “Amess amendment” in honour of the murdered Catholic. The amendment would allow priests to enter crime scenes in order to administer the sacraments to the victims.

Should religious ministers be allowed access to administer the anointing of the sick at crime scenes? The answer to the question maybe yes.

Indeed, Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Police Chief Cressida Dick have promised a joint study plan on the subject.

The meeting between the two took place on the occasion of the annual requiem mass for fallen police officers in the UK, held at Westminster Cathedral in London.

During the celebration, the Cardinal greeted all the police officers who had come from the four corners of the UK to participate in the Eucharist.

The Cardinal also thanked the Chief of Police for the agreement made to study the issue of access to the sacraments at tragic scenes. The topic is something of great sensitivity and importance for the Catholic community, the Cardinal explained. (FM)

Compiled by Zephania Gangl