You may be aware that on Wednesday 19 June 2019 the Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) Act (2017) comes into effect. What is being referred to as VAD is a combination of what in plain-speaking is more commonly known as physician assisted suicide and euthanasia.
This Pastoral Letter has been issued jointly by the Archbishop of Melbourne and the Bishops of Ballarat, Sandhurst and Sale.
The pastoral letter is accompanied by the document We Care which reminds us that, Just as the early Christians were, we too, are called to accompany and care for those who are suffering. We Care provides ways in which those who conscientiously object to this law can accompany people who suffer.