In a pastoral letter addressing medical aid in dying, the Atlantic Episcopal Assembly says that "the pastoral care of souls cannot be reduced to norms for the reception of the sacraments or the celebration of funeral rites."
The four-page letter, issued in late November, offers a "pastoral reflection" on the challenges the assisted-dying law, passed in June, poses to the Canadian Church.
"In the pastoral care of those who are contemplating medical assistance in dying, we must remember that the purpose of pastoral care is to communicate the compassion of Christ, his healing love and his mercy," wrote the 10 Catholic bishops from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.
