Dear Parishes,
The State Government is seeking to amend Victoria’s euthanasia and assisted suicide laws. If passed, the Government’s Bill would further weaken protections for vulnerable patients and reduce protections for medical practitioners who conscientiously object to euthanasia and assisted suicide.
In response to the Government’s plans, the Bishops of Victoria have written a Pastoral Letter to all Catholics in Victoria to ask that they contact their local Members of Parliament to urge them to vote against the proposed laws. This is particularly important as Members of Parliament will have a conscience vote on the matter – meaning they do not have to vote according to party lines and can vote according to their own conscience.
The Government’s Bill seeks to remove many of the limited protections offered by Victoria’s so-called ‘voluntary assisted dying’ (VAD) laws. The changes would, for the first time, allow medical practitioners to raise euthanasia and assisted suicide with patients who have never asked about it – patients who may be at their most vulnerable. The changes would also force medical practitioners who conscientiously object to euthanasia and assisted suicide to provide patients with information about euthanasia and assisted suicide – as determined by the Government.
Instead of attempting to expand euthanasia and assisted suicide, the Bishops urge Members of Parliament to continue expanding access to good palliative care to all Victorians, particularly for those in the regions.
Read the Bishops pastoral letter on euthanasia and assisted suicide here.
Please also note that a banner containing links to the above materials will automatically appear on Parish websites that are hosted by PACEM.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Tom Pretty
Chief Advisor, Policy and External Engagement | Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne
St Patrick’s Centre | 486 Albert Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002
PO Box 146, East Melbourne VIC 8002
T: (03) 9926 5691 | M: 0417 940 759
E: tom.pretty@cam.org.au | W: www.melbournecatholic.org
The Archdiocese is committed to the safety, wellbeing and dignity of all children and vulnerable adults.
Endorsement of Palms Program
In January you can prepare for mission at home or abroad.
Palms Australia has trained Australians to live and work within cultures and communities overseas since 1961. Now four days of that training will be available for parishioners interested to assist harness the diverse gifts of our community and make it stronger.
At Home
Palms’ Neighbours Without Borders program (January 7 – 11) will “focus on building communities that are welcoming to all, with particular attention to those on the margins of society and the church” as urged by the recent Plenary Council.
Overseas
Completing a further four days (January 12 – 15) will prepare you to meet one of the many requests Palms has from communities in Africa, Asia and the Pacific who need educators; health professionals; administrators and others to assist build on the strengths of their people who otherwise have little opportunity for training.
Enquire about Palms Orientation for mission via www.palms.org.au or call 02 9560 533 or 0422 472 567.