THE FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH OF HONOLULU
2500 Pali Highway, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 - (808)595-4047
At a Congregational meeting on January 19, 2003 the following resolution
was passed:
The Right to Die with Dignity
WHEREAS, medical knowledge and technology make
possible the mechanical prolongation of life; and
WHEREAS, such prolongation may cause unnecessary
suffering and/or loss of dignity while providing little or nothing of benefit
to the individual; and
WHEREAS, such procedures have an impact upon a
health-care system in which services are limited and are inequitably
distributed; and
WHEREAS, differences exist among people over
religious, moral, and legal implications of administering aid in dying when an
individual of sound mind has voluntarily asked for such aid; and
WHEREAS, obstacles exist within our society against
providing support for an individual's declared wish to die; and
WHEREAS, many counselors, clergy, and health-care
personnel value prolongation of life regardless of the quality of life or will
to live;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the First Unitarian
Church of Honolulu calls upon its congregations and individual Unitarian
Universalists to examine attitudes and practices in our society relative to the
ending of life, as well as those in other countries and cultures; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That The First Unitarian
Church of Honolulu affirms its support for the Advance Health Care Directive
under the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act that became effective in Hawaii on
July 1, 1999, and seeks assurance that this document will be properly honored;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That The First Unitarian
Church of Honolulu advocates the right to self-determination in dying, and the
release from civil or criminal penalties of those who, under proper safeguards,
act to honor the right of terminally ill patients to select the time of their
own deaths; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That The First Unitarian
Church of Honolulu advocates safeguards against abuses by those who would
hasten death contrary to an individual's desires; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: That The First Unitarian Church of Honolulu and its members and friends, acting through its congregation, memorial societies, and appropriate organizations, inform and petition legislators to support legislation that will create legal protection for The Right To Die With Dignity, in accordance with one's own choice.
Passed: January 19, 2003 Reaffirmed: 12/02/07