Open Letter from Cardinal Lacroix, “‘Assistance in Dying’: No Deadline for Dignity”

Thursday, June 2, 2016

In an open letter published in the media on May 30, 2016, His Eminence Gérald Cyprien Cardinal Lacroix, Archbishop of Québec and Primate of Canada, appeals to all people in recalling the position of the Catholic Church on euthanasia and assisted suicide. In his letter, entitled “‘Assistance in Dying’: No Deadline for Dignity”, he issues a general challenge: “You surely know someone who recognizes that he or she meets the criteria in Quebec and (soon also) in Canada for ‘medical assistance in dying’. Be open with that person and listen to his or her suffering and fear. Tell them you recognize their great worth and that they can always count on your presence. Remind him or her of your unconditional love.” The Cardinal’s message is also available on video.

In its brief on Bill C-14 submitted to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights on May 3, 2016, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) recalled that “as clearly stated in its previous statements on this issue, the CCCB absolutely and categorically disagrees with any attempt at justifying or supporting a ‘right’ to assisted suicide or euthanasia.” The CCCB also has a new webpage on euthanasia and assisted suicide which offers links to five major campaigns against physician-assisted suicide as well as to previous CCCB statements, resources from the Regional Episcopal Assemblies, , resources for parish communities, resources from the Catholic Organization for Life and Family, as well as other articles and media reports.

Link to the letter of Cardinal Lacroix

Link to the message in video format

Link to the Press coverage of Cardinal Lacroix’s letter

Link to the CCCB’s webpage on euthanasia and assisted suicide