I have a new article up at NewEvangelizers.com.
Recently there was a news story about a man named Robert Fuller. He was a man dying of cancer who took his own life. This, in and of itself, is sad and tragic. What makes this story sting is that it was promoted in the media with photos of him being blessed in church by a priest and several first communicants who raised their hands over him in prayer a few days before his suicide. Members of the parish were present at his death, apparently not to talk him out of this evil act, but to support him. Fuller even stated on social media that a Jesuit priest told him that his decision to kill himself was morally acceptable.
I am not writing this to vilify any particular person involved. As with any fresh news story, more details may emerge later. The Jesuit priest, Fr. Dupont, who blessed him in church has clearly and categorically denied that he was the priest who gave Fuller approval to kill himself. Further, Fr. Dupont has stated that no one told him of Fuller’s intention to kill himself before the church blessing. Fr. Dupont stated that he was simply told that Fuller was dying and that this was his “last mass.” I have no reason to doubt Fr. Dupont’s statements so unless other evidence comes forth, I think it is reasonable to believe him.
In addition, I am not directing this article at Fuller specifically. While the act of suicide is always morally wrong, I will leave the judgment of Fuller’s soul to our Merciful Lord. Out of charity, I would ask that we all pray for Fuller and those who loved him. But I am compelled to address a problem that must be dealt with in the most serious fashion:
Catholics supporting moral evil.
Medically assisted suicide has been legal for many years in some parts of the country. Unlike other complicated moral issues, the Catholic Church is unequivocal in its position: there is never a morally justifiable reason for suicide. The Catechism states: “Thus an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator. The error of judgment into which one can fall in good faith does not change the nature of this murderous act, which must always be forbidden and excluded.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2277)
Pope St. John Paul II stated in Evangelium Vitae “ I confirm that euthanasia is a grave violation of the law of God, since it is the deliberate and morally unacceptable killing of a human person. This doctrine is based upon the natural law and upon the written word of God, is transmitted by the Church’s Tradition and taught by the ordinary and universal Magisterium.” (Evangelium Vitae, 65)
And yet if you read the media coverage of Fuller’s suicide, it is treated with glowing sentiment. There is the focus on the music that was played or the fact that he entered into a same-sex “marriage” with his boyfriend just before he killed himself. There is a disgusting air of approval and admiration for someone engaging in an act of ultimate selfishness.
I must pause and be incredibly sensitive here. Sadly, many of us know people who have taken their own lives. The heartache that this produces is incalculable. And it is very easy to speak about the evils of suicide when you are not personally facing the nightmarish pain of slow death by cancer. As Christians, we are called to summon every ounce of Christ-like compassion for those who suffer to the point of suicide. But real compassion can only be done in truth. And the truth remains that suicide is a sin of self-importance.
But it feels like it goes against compassion to hurt the feelings of someone who is facing agony. Earlier this year, a Dutch teenager named Noa Pothoven was allowed by the Dutch government to starve herself to death, not because she was dying, but because of post-traumatic stress from being abused. When she posted her decision on social media she asked that no on try and talk her out of her decision.
How much more is the responsibility of the Christian to talk the suicidally resolved out of this path?
You can read the whole article here.
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