Is there any particular document I can read about the church's position on life issues? I am looking for something that gives me more than just a list of issues and where the church stands on them.

02-10-2019Why do we do that?

In the mind of many people, life issues are the defining social, political and theological issues of the twenty-first century. Hunger, homelessness, health care, gay rights, economic justice, abortion, and euthanasia are debated and discussed from all angles and perspectives.

Pope John Paul II wrote an encyclical letter, Evangelium Vitae, the Gospel of Life, in which he lays out the foundation for the church's position on these issues. At the heart of the letter is a profound respect for all human life because we all share in God's life. It is the responsibility of every human being to defend and preserve and protect human life from the beginning until its end, allowing each person to pursue truth and goodness. In other words, all people have dignity and destiny that is rooted in the fact that they are created by God to share in his life. Therefore, all life is of the highest value and is owed respect.

Many viewpoints contrary to life use other measures to determine the value of life. Most of these begin with the idea that the individual is the master of his own life and free to do with it as he or she sees fit. However, we believe that we are God's creation, subject to his will and responsible for our life and the lives of others. Every threat to the dignity of people needs to be addressed and corrected.

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