In a recent interview, Bishop Johan Bonny of Antwerp has voiced a perspective on euthanasia that deviates from Catholic teaching.
Speaking with the Belgian newspaper, La Libre, Bishop Bonny emphasized the need for discernment and nuance when addressing the complex moral issues surrounding euthanasia.
“Philosophy has taught me to never be satisfied with generic black and white answers,” Bonny expressed, adding that the Church’s stance that euthanasia is always an “intrinsic evil” seems overly simplistic.
While the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Pope Francis both denounc euthanasia, Bishop Bonny suggests the need to approach the topic with a more situational lens. He says, “A request for euthanasia from a young man of 40 is not equivalent to that of a person of 90 who faces an incurable illness.”
Euthanasia, which involves administering a lethal agent to a patient by another, is a practice that has been legally embraced by countries like Belgium and its neighboring Netherlands. Meanwhile, the Church has steadfastly supported palliative care, which focuses on providing relief to the terminally ill without hastening death.
In his discussion, Bishop Bonny also raises questions about the very nature of killing. He asks, “What do you say to someone who kills an enemy in the name of self-defense?” suggesting a broader debate about the ethical nuances of life and death decisions.
This isn’t the first time the Belgian bishop has steered towards progressive ideas. In the past, he has advocated for married priests and endorsed blessings for same-sex couples.
Pray for the protection of life!
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