Episode 12 – Faith, Autonomy and the Right to Die

Rev Dr Anna Grant-Henderson, a Uniting Church minister, reflects on her journey toward supporting VAD, shaped by personal experiences, parish ministry, and theological insights. Anna shares her role in supporting a congregant through VAD, her views on pastoral care, and the varied positions of different Synods across Australia.  She advocates for the Church to provide clear resources to guide ministers and communities navigating end-of-life decisions. The discussion also explores scriptural interpretation, community response, and the emotional and spiritual dimensions of death and dying. Anna calls for greater compassion, clarity, and openness in how faith communities approach VAD and the people it affects.  Comprehensive information on Voluntary Assisted Dying in Your State is provided on the Go Gentle website  at https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/vad_in_your_state or by contacting your State Health Department.  If listening to this podcast raises distressing issues for you, please contact one of the following support services: Griefline (https://griefline.org.au/) 1300 845 745 Grief Australia (https://www.grief.org.au/) 1800 642 745 Lifeline (https://www.lifeline.org.au/) 13 11 14, or chat online 24 hours a day See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.