How Pastors can Shepherd the Faithful Away from Euthanasia

Abstract

This paper explores how pastors can discerningly work to prevent euthanasia deaths among their parishioners. Using the 2016 legalization of euthanasia in Canada in the form of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD/MAID) as a reference point, this paper offers practical pastoral advice on having conversations with those actively considering euthanasia and, more preventatively, on how to catechize parishioners about a biblical view of dying and death. To accomplish this, the top four reasons people give for considering and choosing MAiD in Canada are analyzed and interpreted biblically and theologically in order to formulate applicable pastoral care suggestions.