Mixed reactions to assisted dying

Notes: "Response to the Supreme Court of Canada's decision on Feb. 6 [2015] to strike down the ban on assisted dying reveal just how diverse opinions on this subject are within the Anglican Church of Canada" (p. 1). "John Chapman, bishop of the diocese of Ottawa, was unequivocal in his support" (p. 1). "Bishop Stephen Andrews of the diocese of Algoma, however, was 'disappointed', expressing concern over the vagueness of the decision's wording and concern that the judgement was 'lacking in definition'" (p. 10). "Linda Nicholls, area bishop for Trent-Durham in the diocese of Toronto, noted that while 'public opinion has been moving in this direction for some time', Canadians might not fully understand what medical options are already available -- and like Andrews, she, too, was worried about the vagueness of the language" (p. 10). "For Bishop Jane Alexander of the diocese of Edmonton, it was important to see these developments in light of the church's historical and ongoing role in the provision of care. While the context for that care has changed, the mandate remains the same, she said. 'We've consistently supported in the Anglican church the use of palliative care and pain relief, and we know that pain relief can sometimes risk hastening death, but it's a different field now'" (p. 10).

Subjects: Canada. Supreme Court; Euthanasia - Law and legislation - Canada; Euthanasia - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Assisted suicide - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Right to die - Law and legislation - Canada; Palliative treatment - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Death - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Chapman, John H. (John Holland), 1954-; Andrews, Stephen (Stephen Gregory Weed), 1956-; Nicholls, Linda (Linda Carol), 1954-; Alexander, Jane, 1959-