CARE:

Clergy About Recognizing End-of-life

John Abraham, Episcopal Priest (Chair)

We, the undersigned, covenant to support the following:

As religious leaders in the greater Arizona community, we wish to express our concern for those who are dying in terminal illness.  Recognizing that the issues facing such individuals, their families and loved ones, are many and complex, we seek to raise awareness of peoples' options in such situations, including right-to-die issues and terminal sedation.  Death is far more than a medical event and we affirm death as a transition.   Among multiple concerns are:  spiritual, ethical, relational, socioeconomic, psychological, legal, medical and fiscal considerations.

It is our conviction that terminally ill individuals, and those affected by their decisions, have the right to make fully informed decisions and choices.  Our concern is for those who are dying who choose to die with minimal suffering and with loved ones and care givers by their side.  We urge that full respect be given to each dying person.  We champion the dying person's integrity and advocate for autonomy and the freedom of religious and spiritual beliefs.  We formed our group in order to heighten awareness of end-of-life issues within congregations and throughout the greater Arizona community.  Other concerned clergy are welcome to join us.

The Reverend John Abraham, Episcopal Priest (Chair)
The Reverend Dr. George A. Ault, Senior Minister, The Church of the Red Rocks, Sedona
The Reverend Ed Beck, Desert Garden U.C.C., Sun City West
The Reverend David Boxrud, Sun City
The Reverend Paul W. Buckwalter, Episcopal Priest Emeritus
The Reverend Bennett D. D. Burke, Liberal Catholic Church
The Reverend Canon Carl G. Carlozzi, DMin, Episcopal Priest
The Reverend Joe Carroll, Presbyterian Church, USA
The Reverend Jamie Conrad, Episcopal Priest
The Reverend George S. Easley, Presbyterian Church, USA
The Reverend Eric E. Elnes, Ph.D., Scottsdale Congregational UCC
The Reverend John M. Fife, Southside Presbyterian Church
The Reverend Eugene Friesen, Ph.D., Associate Minister, Green Valley Community Church
The Reverend Fritz Hardt, Ph.D., Psychologist, Congregational United Church
The Reverend Bill Killian, United Methodist
The Reverend Albert F. King, U.C.C., Phoenix
The Reverend Susan Manker-Seale, Unitarian Universalist Church
The Reverend Nathan A. Miller, Phoenix Desert Heritage Church
The Reverend Dr. Culver H. Nelson, Founding Minister Emeritus, Church of the Beatitudes, U.C.C.
The Reverend Patricia Noble, Senior Minister, Science of Mind Center
The Reverend Richard Norsworthy, Unitarian Universalist Church
The Reverend Eric Northard, Unitarian Universalist
Rabbi Dr. Aaron Polinsky, Jewish Community Chaplain
The Reverend Marion  L. Rossitter, Ph. D., United Church of Christ
The Reverend Joyce Smith, Unitarian Universalist Church
The Reverend Richard L. Smith, First Congregational United Church of Christ
The Reverend Stanley Stefancic, Unitarian Universalist Church
The Reverend David Wilkinson, United Methodist, St. Francis In The Foothills
 

Contact:

Reverend John L. Abraham
2321 Cyclorama Drive
Prescott, AZ 86305
(928) 443-8586
ja626@earthlink.net