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The VE Bulletin Excerpts
Statement to SAVES by Bishop John Shelby Spong
The following statement was made to SAVES by Bishop John (Jack) Spong during his visit to Adelaide in August this year.
As a Christian, a bishop, and as one who is about life, I endorse the need for all people to have the legal right to determine how and even when they will die. I have testified on this subject before the Congress of the United States and am on the board of a group in America known as Compassion in Dying. I want life to be expanded as much as possible, but when medical science ceases to expand life and begins only to postpone death, I think individuals ought to be free to allow death to come in accordance with their desires and beliefs. No government and no law should seek to violate an individual's right to die with Dignity.
Rt. Rev. John Shelby Spong, Anglican Bishop, USA
The July 2003 edition of the VE Bulletin reported on aspects of his address to the National Convention of the Hemlock Society in San Diego California in January 2003 entitled Death: A Friend to be Welcomed, not an Enemy to be Defeated.
In this address he stated: I believe that if and when a person arrives at that point in human existence when death becomes a kinder alternative. then the basic human right to choose how and when to die should be guaranteed by law and respected by our communities of faith I think this choice should be legal. I will work, therefore, through the political processes to seek to create a world where advance directives are obeyed and where physicians will assist those, who choose to do so, with the ability to die at the appropriate time.
I will work through the ecclesiastical processes of my church and all the forces of organised religion to change consciousness, to embrace new realities.
Bishop Spong is one of many prominent Christians who have been active in the voluntary euthanasia reform movement.
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