By Viola Larson
The Presbyterian News Service in their article, ACSWP continues work on reports to GA 221, reported that the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP), was preparing, among other reports, a paper on “End of Life” issues for the P C (U.S.A.)’s General Assembly. Some of the reports were mandated by previous GAs, however, the “End of Life” paper was not a mandate but a paper the committee felt was necessary.
As PNS reported, Christian Iosso, coordinator of ACSWP, stated that, “The church has said nothing since physician-assisted suicide was legalized by several states and countries.” So this will undoubtedly address that troubling issue. PNS also reported that, “ACSWP member Gloria Albrecht of Detroit, said the drafting team “is looking for a pastoral, not academic, paper because pastors and families are dealing with this every day. Our goal is to give counsel about what’s at stake and to help people faced with these excruciating personal issues make informed decisions based on their values systems.” (Italics mine)
Although it is important for people to be aware of all the facts surrounding end of life decisions, biblically, leaders in the church must point God’s people to Scripture rather than letting them flounder in their own value systems. Giving out factual information about physician-assisted suicide, (which could possibly be nonfactual given the values of today’s postmodern society) and then turning away as God’s people function within their own private value systems is reminiscent of ancient Israel when she ignored God’s laws.