Assisted dying is ‘not un-Christian’ – former archbishop
A FORMER Archbishop of Canterbury has given his support to assisted dying, saying that it was not un-Christian to help people suffering from ‘unspeakable distress’.
His comments were made to Gavin St Pier and followed his being quoted in an article in The Sunday Times.
In the article, Lord Carey, 82, who was archbishop from 1991 to 2002, said that the ‘slippery slope’ argument against approving the move was not a good one.
‘Figures can be used to frighten us to do nothing at all,’ he was quoted as saying.
‘As a Christian I feel we have to care for people at the end of life.’
He made additional comments to Deputy St Pier, who is leading the requete on the issue which will be debated by the States.
‘I support assisted dying and do not feel it is at all unChristian to help people suffering from unspeakable distress, to find a peaceful end to their lives on their own terms,’ Lord Carey said.
Assisted dying supporter Deputy Lyndon Trott said that Lord Carey’s backing was welcomed. ‘We welcome the support of all faith leaders, including Archbishops Carey and Tutu, who agree that improving end of life choice to end suffering is compassionate and compatible with their faith.’
The Sunday Times article, entitled Guernsey to decide on assisted dying, quoted proponents and opponents of the idea, with Sarah Griffith among the former and the Dean of Guernsey, the Very Rev. Tim Barker, among the latter.
The report also referred to a what it claimed was a leaked letter from Professor Jane Dacre, president of the Royal College of Physicians.
While the body is strongly against assisted dying, the comment in her letter indicated it would provide support to its members if necessary. ‘We would be able to support local physicians to develop safeguards that would be acceptable to them and to support decision-making in this complex area.’
