In light of Pope Francis’ recent comments to Italian Catholic doctors against the evils of euthanasia, the announcement of the Hope International Symposium in Adelaide this year is a timely one.
“It is false compassion to consider euthanasia as an act of dignity when it is a sin against God and creation,” the Pontiff told doctors during a speech in November last year.
“In ancient thought and in modern thought, the word ‘kill’ means the same.”
Pope Francis’ comments reflect the growing global concern that has been building over recent years and will be highlighted when opponents of euthanasia will gather from across the globe for the fourth time from 22-23 May.
In recent years, Adelaide has been the world’s epicentre for euthanasia bills, event organiser and founder of HOPE: Preventing Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide, Paul Russell said in an interview with Archdiocese of Perth Communications and Media Office journalist, Mark Reidy.
Mr Russell believes it is appropriate that the latest symposium should occur in this city.
“We are assembling some of the very best people in palliative care, academia, social policy and grassroots activism from across the globe and locally,” he said.
“We will also be looking at recent successful campaigns against euthanasia and assisted suicide from various places and continue to learn how to better engage in the necessary public debates.”
The timing of the symposium’s recent website launch comes in the wake of yet another push in the Australian political sphere for acceptance of euthanasia, this time by Greens Senator, Richard Di Natale, who tabled the Medical Services (Dying with Dignity) Bill 2014 in Federal Parliament in late October 2014.
The Adelaide event, entitled Standing Stronger, together, is a partnership between HOPE, Euthanasia Free New Zealand, disability advocates, Life Worth Living, Doctors Opposed to Euthanasia and the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition International (EPCI) and will be looking to create new networks, enhance existing connections and share the latest information and campaigning knowledge.
The event will include special sessions for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals as well as special sessions for people working in leadership.
Mr Russell believes that these international symposiums provide the opportunity for organisations and individuals from across national and state borders to develop a life-minded fraternity and to provide academics and commentators with an international platform.
He said members of EPCI, such as HOPE, exist for the purpose of building a bulwark against euthanasia and assisted suicide through helping individuals and organisations develop a clear understanding of the issues involved, as well as providing them with practical and logistical support in campaigns.
Mr Russell is excited by the prospect of turning up the volume of the global voice opposing euthanasia at this year’s gathering and looks forward to the global impact it will generate. “This will be first time the event has been held in the southern hemisphere,” he said, “and it will be the best one yet.”
For more information on the 2015 HOPE International Symposium, go to http://noeuthanasia.org.au/blog/2174-international-gathering-opposing-euthanasia-assisted-suicide-adelaide-south-australia.html.