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Voluntary Assisted Dying

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Introduction to our statement

Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation has been introduced in Australia and New Zealand. As it is now a legal process, the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ) has outlined how God’s people can respond to this practice. In July 2023 the church approved for publication the Doctrinal Statement and Theological Opinion (DSTO), Voluntary Assisted Dying. The paper was produced jointly by the LCANZ’s Committee for Care Ministries and the Commission on Bioethical and Ethical Questions. This webpage provides supporting resources to assist people in the church's caregiving ministries as they respond to issues and situations relating to Voluntary Assisted Dying.

Encouragement to the church

Church leadership teams are encouraged to intentionally consider how to undertake their activities in a way that witnesses to Christ’s love of all. This might include:

rejoicing in the gift of life and being committed to enriching and enhancing the life experience of those under its care
supporting the physical, spiritual, emotional, mental and social/family wellbeing of each person
when people are approaching the end of life and are terminally ill, realising that they need more focused care from medical professionals and nurses, chaplains and family so that they can if they choose, experience increased attention and love
where palliative care is supplied as a part of a service’s core business, that maximum physical comfort is the goal and those people nearing the end of their life are more confident in their situation and need not fear the loss of control.

Purpose of statement

The purpose of this statement is to affirm our responsibility as Christians to be faithful to God’s gift of life, and to encourage pastoral engagement with people both within and beyond our churches who feel their suffering is too much to cope with.

This statement is not intended to present a prescriptive list of actions that must be followed by individuals, congregations, and agencies. Instead, it provides a set of guidelines and suggestions that these groups can use as a starting point for developing their own life-affirming actions as appropriate to their circumstances and available within their resources.

LCANZ position statement

The LCANZ does not support Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD), however it undertakes to support all people, seeking to bring God's love to life in crucial life and death situations.

Staff and volunteers in aged care and other community care settings will not participate in the processes of VAD or seek to influence decisions, as directed by state laws.

However, a respectful and pastoral approach will be negotiated and maintained throughout the process, extending to family members as they face imminent bereavement and the need for after-death rituals and care.

Download LCANZ statement