Faith, death, and dignity: A Christian conversation on MAiD

A church in Winnipeg is hosting an event in regards to the Christian perspective when it comes to medical assistance in dying (MAiD). 

"On May 2 at 7 p.m., Dr. Ewan Goligher is going to come and address a Christian response to physician-assisted death," says Mark Grafe, an elder at Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church. "He'll be speaking on two subjects, two 30-minute lectures, followed by a 15-minute Q & A."

Dr. Goligher lives in Toronto and is an associate professor of Medicine and Physiology at the University of Toronto. He has published over 200 papers and a few books and has been published in leading medical journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine. 

"He studied medicine at the University of British Columbia, trained in internal medicine, and critical care medicine at the University of Toronto. His research focuses on life-saving intervention for patients with acute lung failure. He's regularly involved in helping patients and families navigate these difficult decisions about medical care at the end of life. Also, as a Christian who's placed his faith and trust in Jesus, he brings that Christian perspective."

Grafe hopes that anyone who attends will leave feeling like they gained knowledge on the topic but also hope in what's to come after death.

"The first lecture will be titled 'The Indignity of “Death with Dignity,' and the second is called 'Overcoming Suffering by Faith in Death or Faith in Christ.'"

Many Canadians from all sorts of backgrounds struggle with this topic, especially people who are suffering with chronic pain as well as feeling like a burden to their family in need of constant care. 

"Why this topic? It's personal, it's relevant, and we're partnering with Dr. Goligher on this. We experience death, it's a for sure thing. We engage with people on that level, and there's a lot of questions about it. We found someone who can address this well, from a Biblical, Christian perspective."

The event is free and open to the public, however, the hosts are asking people to register here so they know how many to expect.