Hrišćansko razumevanje smrti i problem eutanazije - doprinos Međunarodne Komisije za anglikanskopravoslavni teološki dijalog (ICAOTD) - 2016-2019

Abstract

The author presents the work of the International Commission for AnglicanOrthodox Theological Dialogue (ICAOTD) regarding its second, practical-applicative phase of engagement in the field of Christian anthropology. From the set of five main areas of questions, which are to be thematized in this phase, according to a Christian conceptualization of bioethics, based in agreed principles of Christian anthropology, the Commission first chose two: the question of euthanasia and the question of natural environment. The author offers a synoptic overview of basic results brought out so far, during the 2016-2019 process of discussions about the Christian understanding of death related to the problem of "euthanasia". During plenary discussions about the expert papers presented from both sides (especially in Malta 2017) the Commission also endorsed guiding principles for orientation and evaluation in regard to the complex and sensitive problem induced by the growing acceptability of the practice of euthanasia, and, also in regard to the not entirely predictable consequences of the advances of biotechnology and modern science. Amongst other things, the Commission holds the position that euthanasia, if colloquially interpreted as "assisted suicide", needs to be carefully distinguished from approaches such as assisted dying in general (viz. palliative and hospice care etc), and especially from the ethos of dying well in a re-actualized traditional Christian sense: based on spiritual discernment grounded through a comprehensive as much as holistic ecclesial understanding of dying, death and mortality. In due time, the Commission will endorse an Agreed statement on dying well, viz. euthanasia.