“The Church is clear that we cannot directly choose to take the life of another, even if they request it,” he said. “The solidarity of praying and caring for the most vulnerable at this fragile time of their lives is a profoundly Christian act which imitates Our Lady’s prayer at the cross and Christ’s service to the weakest.”
Bishop Sherrington cited Pope Francis’ warnings against false compassion and treating “a human person as a problem.”
“True compassion does not marginalise anyone, nor does it humiliate and exclude – much less considers the disappearance of a person as a good thing,” he said, quoting Pope Francis.
“Whilst there are clear arguments to support Catholic teachings, it is important to remember that this position is not only a matter of faith but also human reason,” the bishop wrote.
The bishops of the United Kingdom have on several occasions affirmed their support for high quality end-of-life care, which includes spiritual and pastoral support for the dying and their families.
Our Duty Of Care, a group of concerned medical professionals who oppose the legalization of assisted suicide, stated in a briefing to the British Medical Association this week that the alleged “right to die” translates in practical experience to a “duty to die,” as many patients feel pressured to end their lives to relieve their loved ones of the burden of their care.
“Assisted suicide and euthanasia have harmful consequences on patients and doctors. The two principles of dignity and autonomy are actively compromised by: Premature death due to compromised personal autonomy, particularly poor mental health; Premature death due to elder abuse or other forms of social pressure for monetary gain. Socio-psychological pressure of being a ‘burden,’” the briefing stated.
“For all these reasons, proposals to accept physician assisted suicide or physician-administered euthanasia should be rejected, and a realistic and authentically compassionate approach reaffirmed.”
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