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Faith Seeking Understanding: Medical Assistance in Dying

Faith Seeking Understanding: Medical Assistance in Dying is a collection of essays offering prayerful theological reflections on medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in Canada. First drafted in 2023 and finalized in 2024, the resource was written in the context of Canada’s evolving experience with MAiD. It combines a brief introduction to the legal and social context with essays exploring the ethical, pastoral and human dimensions of life, suffering and care. While the legal and social landscape continues to develop since its publication, the reflections focus on enduring questions about Christian responsibility, compassionate presence and the dignity of those who are vulnerable or suffering.

The essays examine how MAiD affects communities, the role of Christians in accompaniment and pastoral care and the call to live out baptismal faithfulness with compassion. Grounded in faith in the crucified and risen Christ, the reflections encourage thoughtful dialogue and discernment.

Most essays include Questions for Reflection and Discussion, making this resource ideal for individual study or structured group study over multiple weeks. Faith Seeking Understanding: Medical Assistance in Dying supports meaningful exploration of MAiD from theological, ethical and pastoral perspectives, providing guidance for reflection without prescribing answers.

ePub formats also available

Suggested uses

  • Individual study and reflection on the theological, ethical and pastoral dimensions of MAiD
  • Group discussion in parish study groups, adult education series or small faith communities
  • Pastoral education for clergy, chaplains and lay leaders
  • Faith formation exploring compassion, care and human dignity

Key themes

  • Theological reflection grounded in the crucified and risen Christ
  • Pastoral care and accompaniment for those who are vulnerable or suffering
  • Human dignity and the value of every person
  • Ethical and social questions around MAiD, healthcare and social justice
  • Community impact on families, congregations and faith communities
  • Context of Canadian MAiD law and social experience at the time of writing

Best suited for: individuals, parishes, study groups, clergy, chaplains, lay pastoral leaders and anyone exploring ethical, pastoral and theological questions around MAiD in a faith-based context.

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.