Members of the Task Force on Decisions at the End of Life addressed delegates several times throughout the agenda for the 2019 ELCIC National Convention.
Members on the committee brought to this work significate experience in palliative care, medical ethics, theological expertise, and it also included a member of the Anglican church of Canada.
On the Thursday night of convention, Rev. Lynn Granke, Jeanie Stann, Dr. Janet Storch and Rev. Paul Gehrs provided a background on the work of the taskforce.
On Friday morning, delegate participated in table group discussions on the motions to reflect on what surprised delegates about the document; what shaped or informed further thoughts on the document; what implications need to be considered for the ELCIC; and other comments.
At the 2015 ELCIC National Convention, delegates passed a motion asking the ELCIC’s National Church Council (NCC) to review the ELCIC’s current policy on assisted death. In response, NCC established a Task Force to encourage conversations across our church regarding the needs of people in times of death and dying, and to review our current resolution and make recommended updates. The task force’s final report was submitted at the September 2018 National Church Council meeting.
Following the conclusion of the task force’s work, National Church Council brought forward four motions for consideration at convention:
- Motion #8: The Call to Faithfully Journey with those who are Dying: An ELCIC Resolution
- Motion #9: Resources for Spiritual Care
- Motion #10: Access to Palliative Care
- Motion #11: Access to Mental Health Care Services
Delegates to the 2019 ELCIC National Convention passed all four motions with a significant majority.
