The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada have released a joint statement on euthanasia and assisted suicide, at an Oct. 29, 2015 news conference on Parliament Hill. The “Declaration on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide” has been endorsed by over 30 Christian denominations, together with over 20 Jewish and Muslim leaders from across Canada. In light of the Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling in R. v. Carter, the joint statement advocates for palliative care, respect for the dignity of the human person, human solidarity and psychological, spiritual and emotional support as the ethical and moral response in end-of-life care. The joint statement insists that Canada’s “health care systems must maintain a life-affirming ethos. Medical professionals are trained to restore and enhance life,” as “any action intended to end human life is morally and ethically wrong.” The signatories to the Declaration urge “federal, provincial and territorial legislators to enact and uphold laws that enhance human solidarity by promoting the rights to life and security for all people; to make good-quality home care and palliative care accessible in all jurisdictions; and to implement regulations and policies that ensure respect for the freedom of conscience of all health-care workers and administrators who will not and cannot accept suicide or euthanasia as a medical solution to pain and suffering.” Mennonite Church Canada is a member of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada as well as the Canadian Council of Churches. –The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada
See a video of the news conference here.
