Assisted Dying

29th April 2019 By GerryBurke

The Royal College of Physicians has recently adopted a position of neutrality on whether or not the law should be changed to allow a doctor to hasten a patient’s death in keeping with their expressed wishes. David Jolley, a member of Christian on Ageing Executive Committee, offers this comment: https://christiansonageing.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Assisted-dying.pdf

There are some things which just have to be said. We have to speak out because at the heart of the Christian message is our belief that God is not silent. God has spoken through creation itself and the evolving universe; through the human story; through the dwelling of Jesus Christ in time; through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the Church and in each believer; through the inspiration of the scriptures; and through the wisdom and the teaching of the Church through the ages.

We use words all the time. Words of welcome. Words of wisdom. Words of warmth. Words of warning. Words of wistfulness. Our words are wasted if words are just words. In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God. And the Word was God. Through him all things came to be, not one thing had its being but through him. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The Word made things happen.

As Christians, as followers of the Word, we do something about what we have heard. Our own best words are our actions.

Please tell us what you would like us to Speak Out about by contacting: info@ccoa.org.uk

Christians on Ageing cannot deal with every issue affecting the lives of older people but it can highlight those which are causing public debate or concern. The charity’s first task is to identify these for its members and to provide information about the nature of the debate and the variety of views and opinions being proposed. Unless members of Christians on Ageing have been canvassed for their views or the Executive Committee has taken a policy decision, the articles here are to be considered an exploration of the issues rather than a formal comment. The nature of the contribution to the debate will always be made clear.

Let us pray for the success of COP26

Loving God, we praise your name with all you have created. You are present in the whole universe, and in the smallest of creatures. We acknowledge the responsibilities you have placed upon us as stewards of your creation. May the Holy Spirit inspire all political leaders at COP26 as they seek to embrace the changes needed to foster a more sustainable society. Instil in them the courage and gentleness to implement fairer solutions for the poorest and most vulnerable, and commit their nations to the care of Our Common Home. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ your Son.

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