1. MONSIGNOR AL KIRK -Native of Knoxville, TN
-Priest of the Diocese of Memphis since its beginning
-Ordained Dec for the Diocese of Nashville
-Studies:  BA, St.Mary's College, (St.Mary,KY); STL (Licentiate), Gregorian University (Rome); STD Greg. Univ. (specialization: spiritual theology)
-Served as Diocesan Director of Religious Education,
-Teaching positions:  Memphis Catholic HS; CBHS; adjunct faculty at Memphis Theological Seminary and CBU
-Pastor of St.Mary's Parish, Jackson, TN and Holy Spirit Parish, Memphis
-President of Jackson Ministerial Association and Memphis Ministerial Assoc.
Boards:  CBU, Catholic Charities, Presbyterial Council
Presently retired, serving in various ways around the Diocese

2. MOTIVATING CULTURAL FACTORS
ASSISTED SUICIDE
Monsignor Al Kirk
MOTIVATING CULTURAL FACTORS
Loss of God-consciousness
Heightened individualism, utilitarianism, hedonism
Obsession with freedom of choice
Loss of family, difficulty with long term commitments
Concern with convenience, efficiency, productivity
Desire to eliminate all suffering
“Promethean” attitude-control of life and death
Relativism-no absolute truth
Fear of dying, of losing control of bodily function
Fear of intolerable pain, severe dementia
Fear of being a burden on family /friends

3. CHURCH TEACHING ASSISTED SUICIDE Life is God’s first and greatest gift
Monsignor Al Kirk
CHURCH TEACHING
Life is God’s first and greatest gift
Life is sacred at every moment; the dignity of the human person is inviolable
It’s value not diminished by loss of physical/mental strength
The family is the “sanctuary of life”, the haven for those dependent on others
Direct and voluntary killing of an innocent human being is always greatly immoral
[Gospel of life#65;
So is formal cooperation in suicide [Gol#66;CCC#2282
We are locked in a battle between the culture of life and the culture of death
(St John Paul II)
Human suffering has a redemptive value, united with that of Christ

4. FAITH PERSPECTIVE ON PAS
ASSISTED SUICIDE
FAITH PERSPECTIVE ON PAS
Contradicts the physician’s deepest commitment
Denies a basic principle of catholic social teaching:
PROTECTION OF THE MOST VULNERABLE
Offers an illusory freedom
Fails to consider underlying DEPRESSION and
MENTAL ILLNESS THAT LEAD PEOPLE TO REQUEST PAS
Overlooks medical advances in
CONTROLLING PAIN AND GROWTH OF PALLIATIVE CARE
Monsignor Al Kirk

5. CIVIC PERSPECTIVES ASSISTED SUICIDE
Monsignor Al Kirk
CIVIC PERSPECTIVES
Our Constitution is based in inalienable rights,
THE FIRST OF WHICH IS THE RIGHT TO LIFE
PAS is a slippery slope leading to societal approval
OF DEATH OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, THE MENTALLY ILL
CAN LEAD TO ELITES MAKING DECISIONS ABOUT WHO HAS THE RIGHT TO LIVE
PAS IS BASED ON A FALSE COMPASSION

6. OUR ROLE CATHOLICS AND PEOPLE OF FAITH NEED TO BE
ASSISTED SUICIDE
Monsignor Al Kirk
OUR ROLE
CATHOLICS AND PEOPLE OF FAITH NEED TO BE
IN THE VANGUARD IN OPPOSING PAS
THE ROLE OF MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IS CRUCIAL
IN HELPING ALL UNDERSTAND THAT PEOPLE WITH TERMINAL ILLNESS
CAN DIE WITH DIGNITY