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C002 
THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA
GENERAL SYNOD 2023
RESOLUTION
Resolution Number: C002
Subject: Medical Assistance in Dying
Moved By: Jesse Zink
Seconded By: Jordan Ware
Be it resolved that this General Synod:

  1. Affirm the teaching of Scripture that life is a divine gift, the call of the Baptismal Covenant to “respect the dignity of every human being”, and the teaching of Jesus Christ that he has come so that people may have “abundant life” (John 10:10);
  2. Take note with concern of the federal government’s proposals to expand access to Medical Assistance in Dying to include mature minors, those for whom psychological conditions are the only underlying factor, and in advance directives;
  3. Express its support for a robust palliative care system as a more appropriate response to human suffering that respects the dignity of all human beings;
  4. Call on the government to enact a national palliative care strategy that is attentive to the inequities and injustices in the current health care system;
  5. Affirm the call of the church and Christians to pastorally accompany when possible all those who are suffering or approaching the end of life, including those who have chosen Medical Assistance in Dying;
  6. Encourage members of the Anglican Church of Canada to contact their Member of Parliament to share a copy of this resolution;
  7. Direct the General Secretary of this Synod to cause a copy of this resolution to be sent to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Health, and the Minister of Justice;
  8. Direct the Faith Worship and Ministry Coordinating Committee to work with other Christian bodies in order to identify, and where needed, produce,current educational resources related to Medical Assistance in Dying for the faithful of The Anglican Church of Canada.
Does this motion contain within it any financial implications? 
No

If yes, has the General Synod Expenditures Committee considered the implications? 

Yes     No

EXPLANATORY NOTE/BACKGROUND

Medical Assistance in Dying is now commonplace in Canada and many members of the Anglican Church of Canada are asking questions and seeking guidance about how our Christian faith calls us to respond. Proposals by the federal government to expand access to Medical Assistance in Dying have generated considerable media attention and public controversy. In large measure, the federal government is responding to court decisions that oblige it to act. (The situation is somewhat different in Quebec, though the decisions are headed in a similar direction. As a national church body, it makes sense that this General Synod speak only on national matters.)

The most recent statement from the Anglican Church of Canada is In Sure and Certain Hope and dates to 2016. It has now been overtaken by events, namely the expansion of eligibility for Medical Assistance in Dying. (The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada produced The Call to Faithfully Journey with those who are Dying in 2019.)

This resolution echoes language used by the Primate in her February 2023 column in the Anglican Journal about Medical Assistance in Dying and also draws from “We Can and Must Do Much Better,” a statement on Medical Assistance in Dying from religious leaders in Canada. The resolution is grounded in the baptismal covenant call to “respect the dignity of every human being” and consequently expresses its support for a robust, equitable, and national palliative care system, while also affirming the call of the church and of Christians to pastorally accompany all those who are approaching death.

PROCEDURE FOR ADOPTION

 (G)

In the normal course, an ordinary motion must be passed by a majority of the members of General Synod present and voting together.

Six members of General Synod may, prior to the question being put, require a vote by Orders, with a majority of each Order being necessary to pass. 

If a question passes on a Vote by Orders, any six members (two from each of three different dioceses) may immediately before the next item of business require a vote to be taken by dioceses.  A motion passes if a majority (or a tie) of dioceses vote in favour.

Source: Sections 4 and 5 of the Declaration of Principles and sections 18, 19 and 20 of the Rules of Order and Procedure.

In the normal course, an ordinary motion must be passed by a majority of the members of General Synod present and voting together.

Six members of General Synod may, prior to the question being put, require a vote by Orders, with a majority of each Order being necessary to pass. 

If a question passes on a Vote by Orders, any six members (two from each of three different dioceses) may immediately before the next item of business require a vote to be taken by dioceses.  A motion passes if a majority (or a tie) of dioceses vote in favour.

Source: Sections 4 and 5 of the Declaration of Principles and sections 18, 19 and 20 of the Rules of Order and Procedure.

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Matthew 10:40-42

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Rewards

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John 15:12-17

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John 21:15-19

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Matthew 8:1-4

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