The emeritus Archbishop of Cape Town, Desmond Tutu, speaks in favor of assisted dying

The Most Revd Desmond Tutu, archbishop emeritus of Cape Town South Africa, has recorded a video for Dignity in Dying in the UK. In the video, released 7 OCT 2016, the Archbishop states his support for compassionate palliative care and assisted dying initiatives in a number of countries. Two years ago Archbishop Tutu was the author of an op-ed piece carried by The Guardian, in which he announced the reversal of his personal stand against assisted dying.

Transcript of the video –

Hello, dear sisters and brothers. As a Christian, I believe in the sanctity of life and that death is a part of life.

I hope that when the time comes, I am treated with compassion and allowed to pass on to the next phase of life’s journey in the manner of my choice. My friend, Lord Carey, has passionately argued for an assisted dying law in the United Kingdom. His initiative has my blessing and support – as do similar initiatives in my home country, South Africa, in the United States, New Zealand, and parts of the European Union, and right across the world.

People who are terminally ill should have the option of dignified and compassionate assisted dying, alongside the wonderful palliative care that already exists. I pray that politicians, lawmakers, and religious leaders have the courage to support the choices terminally ill citizens make in departing Mother Earth with dignity and love. God bless you.

The photo is from the Huffington Post.