Catholic Church > Legislation and Public Policy > The Mental Capacity Act and 'Living Wills'

The Mental Capacity Act and 'Living Wills'

The Mental Capacity Act and ‘Living Wills’: A Practical Guide for Catholics

The new Mental Capacity Act, in force from October 2007, has a number of far-reaching implications and will affect anyone unable to make decisions for themselves. To assist the Catholic community, the Bishops’ Conference has produced a short guide, which has just been published by the Catholic Truth Society. It provides practical and accessible guidance to those concerned about aspects of this new law.

The text of the Guide can be downloaded in two sizes:

The Mental Capacity Act and 'Living Wills' - a Practical Guide for Catholics

pdf 308.75KB (56 x A4 pages)

The Mental Capacity Act and 'Living Wills' - a Practical Guide for Catholics

pdf.288.84kB (29 x A5 pages)

New audio and Powerpoint resources

To brief and inform moral theologians, priests and interested healthcare professionals about the Act, Archbishop Peter Smith and Professor David Jones held three study days in April and May 2008.

There are now two useful resources available to download from these informative days.

The first is a 30-minute mp3 of Prof. Jones unpacking the Mental Capacity Act and its implications. The second is a useful Powerpoint presentation:

Prof. David Jones on the Mental Capacity Act (mono mp3)

Prof. David Jones Mental Capacity Act presentation (powerpoint)
Note: You will need to have Microsoft Powerpoint installed on your computer to view the .ppt file above

Case studies discussed during the study days

To order hard copies of the Guide on line from the Catholic Truth Society at £1.95 each click here or alternatively call 020 7640 0042.

Order form for distribution to groups:

Mental Capacity Act and 'Living Wills' - A Practical Guide for Catholics



Latest News

World Youth Day Communications Officers from England and Wales awarded for their work

Read more...

Pope Benedict XVI's speech to the Curia in Rome (22 Dec)

Read more...

Vatican releases document on bioethics

Read more...

Bishops welcome promising new adult stem cell treatments

Read more...

Cardinal’s Christmas message to children

Read more...

Events

Information, resources and reflections for the seasons of Advent and Christmas

Read more...

Bishop Tom Burns has succeeded Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB as Bishop of Menevia after his installation in St Joseph’s Cathedral, Swansea

Read more...

Here you'll find background information and full details of past events

Read more...

The Venerable John Henry Cardinal Newman's path to sainthood

Read more...

Pope Benedict XVI has declared June 2008 - June 2009 the Year of St Paul commemorating the 2,000th anniversary of the Saint's birth

Read more...