Statement Released: Wednesday, March 27, 2002

In light of the recent renewed interest in the issue of euthanasia, Archbishop John Bathersby said today that respect for human life is the very foundation of human civilisation.

“As soon as we argue for the deliberate termination of human life, whether we are discussing abortion, capital punishment, or euthanasia, even by our own hand, we diminish ourselves as a people and open the way for further erosion of our values,” Archbishop Bathersby said.

“Our moral heritage is based upon respect for each and every person including the inviolability of the life of each and every person.

“Any erosion of that respect no matter how plausible it may seem or how emotionally charged the atmosphere may be under the pressure of human suffering, seriously tampers with the very foundation of our civilisation.

“I urge Catholics and all people of good will to clearly realize the critical importance of the issues that are being discussed at the present time, and to do everything in their power to support traditional values which are needed today more than ever.

“In February this year, Rabbi Jonathan Sachs, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations wrote: civilisations fail when they lose their sense of moral purpose.

“In our age of unlimited freedom we may be in danger of doing precisely that.”

Released by Catholic Communications Office Brisbane

Jan McGrath 041 902 7769