Push against acceptance of euthanasia Australian archbishop encourages faithful

October 07, 2010

Archbishop Denis Hart of Melbourne, Australia, has released a statement opposing a move toward legal acceptance of euthanasia, saying that it is “the opposite of care.”

The archbishop warned that the appointment of a commission to study the question of euthanasia could lead to legal approval without adequate public discussion. He encouraged the faithful to question politicians about the issue, raising awareness of the dangers entailed for those who are seriously ill. Legal euthanasia, the archbishop said, could “make them vulnerable particularly if they feel that they are a burden to others.”

Archbishop Hart argued: “Our ability to care says much about the strength of our society.” Because euthanasia cannot properly be understood as a form of medical care, he said: “we cannot support the legalization of euthanasia however it is described.”

 

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Further information:

• Archbishop Hart calls for 'truth and compassion' over euthanasia (CathNews)
• Statement on Euthanasia (Archdiocese of Melbourne)