| MercatorNet | April 29, 2017 |
Head of Belgian order explains shock move
Brother Rene Stockman is devastated by news that Catholic psychiatric hospitals will offer euthanasia
Brother René Stockman is the superior general of the Brothers of Charity, a “congregation” of the Catholic Church which cares for the poor and the needy. Although residing in Rome in recent years, he has been one of the leading voices in Belgium opposing legalised euthanasia.
This week the Belgian region, where the congregation started in the 19th Century, announced the startling news that its hospitals would offer euthanasia to non-terminally-ill psychiatric patients who request it. This was big news in the Belgian media because the Brothers are major player in Belgium’s healthcare system, with 15 psychiatric hospitals and a number of other projects.
MercatorNet interviewed Brother Stockman by email about this break with Catholic opposition to euthanasia.
********
MercatorNet: Is it certain that euthanasia will be offered in the hospitals of the Brothers of Charity? Or is there a possibility of reversing the decision?
Brother René Stockman: For the moment are we working on several levels: first we informed the whole congregation that as general superior we cannot accept this decision, because it is going totally against our charism of the charity. Secondly, we informed the Belgian Bishops conference about the situation and I am in contact with the president, Cardinal De Kesel. Also the Nuncio is informed. Thirdly, we informed the Vatican and all the information has been given to the Secretariat of State. In the meantime we continue to offer our clear arguments why we can never accept euthanasia.
Is this a world-first as the official position of a Catholic institution?
No, we know that in Belgium there are individual psychiatric centers where euthanasia is done, but the fact that a group with 15 psychiatric centers and with a so-called authority in the field of mental health care is doing that in a formal way is unique.
What proportion of places for the mentally ill are run by the Brothers in Belgium and in Flanders?
As said, we have in Belgium 15 psychiatric hospitals (13 in Flanders and 2 in Wallonia), with 5,000 patients.
The refusal of the Brothers to allow euthanasia in their institutions has been described by critics as a major obstacle to the growth of euthanasia. So will this change in policy, if it goes ahead, have a big impact on psychiatric care in Belgium?
Yes, of course. All those who were against us are now singing that finally the group of the Brothers of Charity capitulated and came into their camp.
You must feel that this is a tragedy. Can it be justified within a Christian framework?
Not at all; it is a real tragedy.
What has happened up to now if someone requested euthanasia in one of your hospitals? Did it happen often?
When someone asked for euthanasia, the question was taken seriously; everything was done to help the patient to change his vision of things. If all our efforts could not change the situation and finally, because of the legislation in Belgium the request of euthanasia was positively answered, we arranged that the patient should be transferred to another place, outside our hospitals. This transfer was done with respect, but always convinced that a signal was given to society that inside our institutes no euthanasia was possible. This was very important.
As a background to this decision, has much outside pressure been applied to the nursing homes and psychiatric hospitals run by the Brothers?
In reality, only a few brothers are still involved in the government of the organization, so the majority are lay-people. Yes, there was a lot of pressure, but pressure doesn’t mean that we have to capitulate.
You are well-known as a firm opponent of euthanasia and the superior-general of your congregation. How could institutions in the Belgian province take a different direction? Have the lay people on the board overruled the two brothers who participate?
I said it above. Indeed, the presence of the brothers is not nearly sufficient, but also secularization is also poisoning the congregation in Belgium.
Pope Francis has often expressed his opposition to euthanasia. Will he take action on this matter?
I have put it in the hands of the Vatican and of course in the hands of the Lord.
April 29, 2017
Our apologies to readers. Over the past few hours we have been making a security update to the MercatorNet site. However, it is taking longer than we expected and there may be some interruption of service.
However, we have some great reading for you over the weekend. Just check out the links below.
Michael Cook
Editor
MERCATORNET
| A child’s etiquette of sharing By Tamara El-Rahi Should you allow your child to share with other kids? Read the full article |  |
| Kate O’Beirne was an originalist By Sheila Liaugminas She knew that what constituted the authentic,complete modern woman is what always did Read the full article |  |
| Why are so many lesbians getting pregnant? By Glenn T. Stanton The stereotype of an exclusively female orientation has been exploded Read the full article |  |
| An update from Japan By Marcus Roberts As you will probably guess, the demographic news is still not good. Read the full article |  |
| The bad manners of the campus left By Lawrence W. Reed Stand up to these bullies. Civilisation depends upon it. Read the full article |  |
| Learning from the Master Roaster, Don Rickles By Izzy Kalman One of America's great comedians made a career of insulting celebrities to their faces. Was that bullying? Read the full article |  |
| Belgian Catholic psychiatric hospitals ‘adjust’ their view of euthanasia By Michael Cook From now on it will be difficult to find a psychiatric hospital where euthanasia is not offered Read the full article |  |
| Head of Belgian order explains shock move By Rene Stockman Brother Rene Stockman is devastated by news that Catholic psychiatric hospitals will offer euthanasia Read the full article |  |
| Child’s game turns deadly for inventor By Jennifer Minicus A book for mystery and puzzle-lovers alike Read the full article |  |
| At the heart of health By Andrea Mrozek In Canada, a ground-breaking programme for heart attack patients and their spouses. Read the full article |  |
| The Silmarillion: tracing the roots of Tolkien’s mythical universe By Harley J. Sims Published posthumously, this formidable work provides the backstory to LOTR and its author. Read the full article |  |
| Solidarity, hope and tenderness: Pope Francis’ surprise TED talk By Pope Francis Francis grasps an opportunity to reach a new audience. Read the full article |  |
| Kids, trees and ADHD By Nicole M. King Outdoor play helps kids' mental health, but why are so many disturbed to start with? Read the full article |
MERCATORNET | New Media Foundation
Suite 12A, Level 2, 5 George Street, North Strathfied NSW 2137, Australia
Designed by elleston
New Media Foundation | Suite 12A, Level 2, 5 George St | North Strathfield NSW 2137 | AUSTRALIA | +61 2 8005 8605
Head of Belgian order explains shock move
.png)
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario