“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful.”
As we pray [in this month of November] for those who have died, I feel called to address the crucial matter of death and end-of-life care. Our society faces important decisions about how we care for those nearing the end of their earthly journey. At Westminster MPs will vote on the Leadbeater assisted suicide Bill at Second Reading on Friday 29 November 2024, which demands our response as a Christian community. Together with fellow Irish Bishops, I invite you to reflect on the Church’s essential teachings regarding end-of-life care.
Our Catholic faith proclaims that every human life possesses infinite dignity – a dignity that remains constant regardless of circumstance or condition. A society reveals its character through its treatment of its most vulnerable members: the terminally ill, people living with disabilities, and those approaching life’s end. We all deserve care at every stage of life, and those who are dying have the right to holistic accompaniment that honours their dignity.
Those who advocate for assisted suicide often speak from genuine compassion, seeking to end suffering. Some argue that assisted suicide simply respects individual autonomy over one’s life. However, when life is taken away, autonomy ceases entirely. It’s important to note that the Church has never insisted on using extraordinary means to prolong life, nor does it require patients to accept unduly burdensome treatment. Yet, deliberately ending life prematurely eliminates any possibility of growth or healing and represents a failure of hope. As life draws to its close, spiritual care becomes paramount – which is why assisted suicide can never be the answer and must be firmly rejected by all God’s people.
Saint Paul reminds us, “The life and death of each of us has its influence on others.” This truth compels us to consider not just individual choices, but their broader impact on our community. Legislating for assisted suicide or euthanasia would undermine the confidence of terminally ill individuals who wish to be cared for and live life fully until natural death. Such legislation would fundamentally alter how we view and value human life, particularly affecting society’s most vulnerable members. What our community needs is not assisted suicide legislation, but rather a renewed commitment to comprehensive care for those who suffer. We must work to ensure that quality palliative care services become more widely available in our hospitals, hospices, and communities.
We have to acknowledge that for some people the burden of carrying life-limiting conditions for years can seem to be almost impossible to bear. Still Christ gives us the conviction that, within the darkest moments we need, not death, but hope, love, and the unshakeable conviction that our lives remain precious, meaningful, and valuable, regardless of our circumstances. As your bishop, I urge our parish communities to reach out with practical support and spiritual accompaniment to those who suffer, ensuring no one feels they are a burden to others.
Many of us have accompanied loved ones in their final moments. These times can be very sad but often a blessing as there is an opportunity to express our love, to be reconciled, show our gratitude and say goodbye.
I extend my deepest gratitude to our chaplaincy teams and healthcare professionals who daily demonstrate their commitment to preserving and protecting life. Their vocation to care must be protected, including their right to follow their conscience in refusing to participate in actions that contradict the fundamental principle of protecting human life.
Most especially, I wish to acknowledge the many carers who devote themselves to looking after a relative or spouse, often at great personal cost. I want them to know that their tireless dedication and love provide an inspiring witness of faith to us all. We believe that this generosity will be richly rewarded by God.
At this time we face challenging discussions about life and death. We are invited to hold fast to our faith in God’s unconditional love and our belief that every life, at every stage, has meaning and purpose.
ENDS
- Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ is Bishop of Down and Connor
