Medicine Hat churches have varying thoughts on assisted death
Some churches and pastors are making a distinction between the theological issue of medical assistance in dying and providing comfort and support.
“Theologically I don’t think life is ours to take under any circumstances,” said Pastor Shane Hein of St. Peter Lutheran Church, who feels there are some exceptional circumstances such as in defence of a family member. He also notes the difference between keeping someone artificially alive by using medical equipment and medication compared to administering a substance to cause death.
Recent guidelines from Catholic Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories advised priests to refuse funerals for some people who choose assisted suicide. Medical assistance in dying is called a “grave sin.”
St. Patrick’s Church in Medicine Hat is waiting for direction from Bishop Henry, said Father Tomy Manjaly.
“I would not refuse to do a funeral,” said Hein.
While there may be some debate about whether medically assisted death is suicide or not, Hein says he does not consider suicide an “unpardonable” sin.
Rev. Oz Lorentzen of St. Barnabas Anglican Church says he sees his main role as pastoral — expressing love, concern and support for an individual seeking a medically assisted death, while helping them think through what God has to say about the choice they are facing.
“Then, I would support, encourage and care for them in the choice they have made,” said Lorentzen.
The legal status of medical assistance in dying in Canada should not be allowed to confuse or obscure the moral question, or the theological side of the issue, said Lorentzen.
“The church has an obligation to represent/safeguard the moral and theological concerns,” said Lorentzen.
Although Canada’s legislation on medical assistance in death came into effect in June this year, it has been taking place for years in countries such as Switzerland. It is widely expected there will still be legal challenges regarding Canada’s criteria for medically assisted death.
Hein is concerned we may be heading down a slippery slope with amendments.
If a member of St. Peter’s wanted a medically assisted death, Hein says he would be there for them but would not be willing to be at the bedside when the substance that will result in death is administered. Immediately after the event he would also be there to comfort the family of the deceased, noting the family would need pastoral care at such a time.
The AHS protocol for MAID includes a discussion about who they would like to be present when the substance is administered, said Dr. Jim Silvius, Alberta Health Services medical director.
“My understanding is that to this point it has primarily been family members. There may have been a close friend or two. I am not aware that clergy have come up in the discussion,” said Silvius.
Rev. Nancy Cocks of St. John’s Presbyterian Church recently told the News the Presbyterian’s position has not been worked out yet.