Greetings,

One of the big discussion topics at Synod was the response of the Uniting Church to the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act which was passed on 29 November 2017. This act allows (from 19 June 2019) Victorians at the end of life who are suffering, and who meet strict eligibility criteria, to request access to voluntary assisted dying. According to Tuesday’s Age, the first ‘voluntary assisted dying’ permit under this law has now been issued.

It was important for the Uniting Church to discuss this and come to some resolution because of those, within Uniting VicTas (which provides Housing), Uniting AgeWell (and its aged care facilities) and the church affiliated hospital group Epworth Healthcare, who might have to deal with the implications of this legislation first hand. Of course, there may be others who will look to the church for guidance in this matter.
According to the Government Health Website (www.health.vic.gov.au) the Victorian Government believes that “all Victorians are entitled to quality end of life care which relieves pain and suffering and provides compassionate support to family, friends and carers.”
Yet this is a very complicated issue and the time spent in prayer, in working group discussions, with the facilitation team and on the open floor of Synod were all part of careful consideration. This is a difficult issue not only because most of us have an associated story, but because it makes us confront our own mortality, and also because there are a wide range of faithfully held theological views and cultural perspectives within the Uniting Church.
As a church we affirmed that life is precious, a gift from God, and has dignity before God regardless of circumstance. We also affirmed that nothing can separate us from God’s love, and that God can bring peace even in times of hardship. We affirmed that palliative care is the primary means through which end of life care is provided. We also acknowledged that while it is a legal right for people who meet the criteria to access voluntary assisted dying, most will find that palliative care and end of life care give them the support they need.
I encourage you to read the letter from Moderator, Rev Denise Liersch, along with the resolution (unconfirmed minute) which are both on the notice board.
I would be happy to discuss this further with anyone who would like more
information.
Blessings – Rev Heather.