Citizen Columns
Question
Has your faith group’s approach to suicide changed in recent years? How?
Answer
Yes, and quite dramatically, although popular attitudes can remain frighteningly medieval. A recent sociological study in Ethiopia, for example, found that suicide attempters were viewed as cruel, feared and untrustworthy. Those who succeeded in taking their own lives were regarded as condemned sinners, undeserving of a funeral ceremony, and should be buried separately from others. Such attitudes were common throughout the Orthodox world until relatively recently. Contrast this with the excellent "Pastoral Letter on Suicide" adopted in 2007 by the Orthodox Bishops in North America. The bishops acknowledge that suicide is a rejection of God’s gift of physical life, but they give much more weight now to care of those left behind and improved understanding of the complex, and sometimes unfathomable medical, psychological and spiritual factors that compromise rationality and freedom and might lead someone to take his or her life. Consequently, their general pastoral recommendation is that "a church burial and memorial services could be granted unless there is an absence of significantly diminished capacities." There is also new emphasis on suicide prevention, especially among youth.
"We should maintain a certain humility while remembering that the state of the suicide victim is and must remain in the hands of God. Those left behind carry a great burden – of hurt, guilt, and often shame – with the realization that their loved one has taken his or her own life. They look to the Church and, especially, to the parish family, for strength and hope regarding the deceased, and for the support and love they themselves so urgently need. In addition to their personal pastoral response, clergy should direct grief-stricken family and friends to crisis counseling resources in the area, which can complement the healing ministry of the Church. We extend our fervent prayers for the victims of suicide and for all whose lives and faith have been shaken by the suicide of a loved one."
With love in Christ,
Fr John
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