Title: Christian Views of Euthanasia - ReligionFacts
Headings: Christian Views of Euthanasia
Christian Views of Euthanasia
What does Christianity teach about euthanasia?
Suicide in the Christian Bible
Suicide in Christian History
Modern Christian Views on Suicide
Anglican Views on Suicide and Euthanasia
Greek Orthodox Views on Suicide and Euthanasia
Article Info

Content: The arguments are usually based on the beliefs that life is given by God, and that human beings are made in God's image. Some churches also emphasise the importance of not interfering with the natural process of death. { 5} Following are specific statements from some Christian denominations on the subjects of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. Anglican Views on Suicide and Euthanasia
The Times Online summarizes a 2005 declaration by the Archbishop of Canterbury, head of the Anglican Communion, on euthanasia: The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, insists today that human and ethical reasons mean that the Church of England can never soften its line on euthanasia. Writing in The Times, Dr Williams says that assisted dying involves other people in an act of suicide and suggests that the recognition of a legal right to assisted dying could entail a responsibility on others to kill. While conceding that the right to be spared avoidable pain is beyond debate, he says that once that has become a right to expect assistance in dying, the responsibility of others is involved. { 6} ## Catholic Views on Suicide and Euthanasia
The Roman Catholic Church remains firmly opposed to both suicide and euthanasia as moral options. The Catholic Encyclopedia entry on "suicide," published in 1912, describes suicide as a grave sin against God. It gives several reasons for this conclusion: