Faithful Living, Faithful Dying

by End of Life Task Force of the Standing C

• ISBN13: 9780819218308
• ISBN10: 0819218308
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780819225245
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-04-01
• Publisher: Morehouse Pub Co

Summary

An important examination of the theological, spiritual and ethical issues surrounding death. What do faithful living and faithful dying mean as we near life's end? With all the technology and choices available to us today, making decisions about the end of life grows ever more difficult. As a result of all the theological and ethical issues that have arisen around the dying process in recent years, the 72nd General Convention of the Episcopal Church created a task force to study and report on these concerns. This is the report of the End-of-Life Task Force. In it, the Task Force responds to the broad range of theological, ethical, pastoral and policy issues that are generated by the need to provide loving and fitting care at the end of life. Intended as a teaching document, Faithful Living, Faithful Dying will be useful as a discussion tool for the church, for individuals facing difficult decisions, for professionals, such as clergy and health care providers, and for those who make public policy.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	ix
Introduction	1	(8)
PART I Theological and Ethical Understandings
The Reality of Death	9	(10)
God, Death, and Anglican Theology	19	(10)
Moral Journey, Ethical Compass	29	(10)
PART II Faithful Responses
Using Our Medical Powers Appropriately	39	(22)
Making Responsible Treatment Choices	61	(12)
Accepting, Caring, and Mourning	73	(12)
Enriching the Church's Response	85	(14)
Broadening the Conversation	99	(14)
Final Reflections	113	(49)
Appendix
1. Last Things: A Parish Resource for the Time of Death, St. Matthias Episcopal Church, Waukesha, Wisconsin	121	(29)
2. Memorial Garden, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Saratoga, California	150	(2)
3. Regulations and Conditions, St. Peter's Columbarium, St. Peter's Church, Conway, Arkansas	152	(4)
4. A Form of Prayer at a Time When Life-Sustaining Treatment is withdrawn, Committee on Medical Ethics, Diocese of Washington, Washington, D.C.	156	(6)
Members of End of Life Task Force	162