On May 1 from 10:00am (9:30 gathering) to 3:00pm the clergy of the Diocese of New Westminster are gathering around the topic of Medical Assistance in Dying. This is a topic that garners much attention in the news media but is often not formally discussed in our parishes or dioceses. The emphasis for this Clergy Day will be on how we as clergy offer pastoral care to those who have chosen MAiD and to their families. Clergy, much like the general population, have a variety of opinions and thoughts related to MAiD but we do need help and support as we determine how we walk with individuals and families through a death related to MAiD.
We will have a panel of people to help lead the day. Dr. Michael McKenzie is a radiation oncologist with the BC Cancer Agency and the Medical Director for MAiD in PHSA (Provincial Health Services Authority). Dr. Philip Crowell is a Spiritual Health Leader at BC Women’s and Children’s Hospitals and a specialist in healthcare ethics. Oceanna Hall. is a Certified Clinical End of Life and Bereavement Specialist.
The focus for the day is not to debate MAiD from an ethical or theological perspective; it is to determine a pastoral response.