A charity has launched a new campaign giving Christians powerful arguments against euthanasia and assisted suicide, ahead of expected renewed attempts to change the law across Britain.
Social policy charity CARE released a booklet as part of its “Live and Let Live” initiative, in which the Chief Executive of the Christian Medical Fellowship, Dr Peter Saunders, outlines what the Bible says about end-of-life issues.
Under the heading ‘Death is not the end’, Dr Saunders highlights the Christian view that “for those who do not know God, neither euthanasia nor assisted suicide are ‘merciful release'”.
Unprepared
“It may rather be propelling them towards a judgement for which they are unprepared. It may be the worst thing we could ever do for them”, he writes.
Dr Saunders encourages Christians to support the work of hospices, which offer palliative care to the dying, and points to the Bible’s teaching about protecting the vulnerable and defending the weak.
“Any change in the law to allow assisted suicide would place pressure on vulnerable people.
Burden
“This includes those who are elderly, disabled, sick or depressed who could feel under an obligation to agree to end their lives for fear of being a financial, emotional or care burden upon others.”
He adds: “Rather than lead people to an untimely death, as Christians we should do all we can to nurture life, love and hope.
“This will involve self-sacrifice and maybe heartache for the sake of others”, he explains.
Legislation
Lord Falconer is expected to reintroduce his assisted suicide Bill for England and Wales in the next parliamentary session, and the Scottish Parliament is currently considering similar legislation.
Nola Leach, Chief Executive of CARE, said: “There’s never been a more critical time to understand the implications of any attempts to introduce assisted suicide into Britain.
“Our Live and Let Live resources can help you navigate the complexities of the issue in today’s society and we hope you will be inspired by them”, she said.
