Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly is calling on the Catholic faithful to raise their concerns and opposition to plans to introduce Assisted Dying in Ireland. The Bishop for Cashel and Emly Dioceses has joined with all other Irish Bishops in publishing a pastoral letter to inform the faithful of Catholic teaching on the issue. The Pastoral Letter is titled “Freedom to Live fully until Death Comes”. The key message from the Bishops is that every person possesses inherent and infinite dignity that remains regardless of their health. The deliberate taking of a life is also against Church teachings. The Bishops are also asking the public to show support for healthcare professionals who may not wish to provide such a service. Referencing the introduction of abortion in Ireland Bishop O’Reilly says the Church authorities do not trust that restrictions will be sufficient to ensure a minimal use of assisted dying were it to be legalised. Data released recently by the Department of Health shows that 10,033 abortions were provided in Ireland last year.
Bishop O’Reilly accepts that a person with an illness can be in a difficult and challenging situation and wants such people to be supported to travel the last part of their journey into the next part of existence, as Catholics believe, by family, neighbours and medical staff including palliative and hospice care. The Bishops also believe that the Common Good is served by opposing Assisted Dying to reinforce the dignity and value of every person.
The Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying has completed it’s report but it remains to be seen if the legislation will be enacted by the present Government. The Bishops’ Pastoral letter and video setting out the Church’s position can be viewed at this link here.
