Help for those accompanying Catholics considering euthanasia
A new document is now available to guide those who are asked to provide pastoral support to Catholics who are considering euthanasia. The document, "To Witness and to Accompany with Christian Hope", follows the legalisation of euthanasia in all Australian jurisdictions. In NSW, the related act is the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2022 No 17 which came into effect on 28 November 2023.
We are confronted with the difficult question of how to attend to the spiritual and pastoral needs of Catholics contemplating euthanasia. The attention of a priest or pastoral worker is on providing patients with God’s grace and mercy.
The document follows wide consultation with a range of people including theologians, ethicists, liturgists and medical doctors. The document points out that “Catholic teaching on euthanasia flows from our understanding of the human person”. Euthanasia contradicts the goodness and dignity of each human, created in the image of God – a unique, irreplaceable individual.
Accompanying someone who is expressing a desire for euthanasia is an act of charity that should be offered in a way that does not require the pastoral companion to suspend their firm commitment to the Church’s clear teaching that euthanasia is never morally permissible.
The document points out that the tension between supporting a person in contrast to supporting their actions is very familiar to family members, especially spouses, parents and siblings. However, family members should strive to remain faithful to each other despite the disagreements and tensions that may arise.
The document carefully outlines the circumstances in which people can receive sacraments, with the presumption being that the person is acting in good faith.
By accompanying a person and listening to their expressions of grief, fear and suffering, as well as offering the Prayers of the Dead after death, we can share with them (and their family) the love of Christ without condoning any choice to intentionally end their life.
References
The links below are the document announcement and the document itself, together with a related Broken Bay document.
Help for those accompanying Catholics considering euthanasia
To Witness and to Accompany with Christian Hope (PDF 868.6KB)
An Interim Pastoral Guideline on Voluntary Assisted Dying (PDF 441.9KB)