Speak Life: The Sanctity of Life
Our main theme this year has been speak life and this week has demonstrated it like never before.
This week we have been confronted by three stories that questions us on the seriousness of human life?
Firstly, the deaths of Jane Adetoro, Christina Walters and Rebecca Walters, ruled suicides at their Brighton inquest, call for compassion towards their family and others experiencing distress. Whatever drove them to this act and their suffering, we must never allow the suffering of others to become entertainment or an opportunity for condemnation. We cannot presume to understand everything they endured.
A second story is located in Tennessee, America where Christa Pike survived an attempted execution and has now returned to prison following hospital treatment, according to her lawyers. Her unique and novel case raises profound questions about punishment and the responsibility of authorities towards those in their custody. Remembering her humanity must also mean remembering Colleen Slemmer, whose life was taken, and the suffering of those who loved her. The aftermath of this is yet to be determined.
Lastly, President Trump during an interview stated his plans to livestream Nidal Hasan’s December execution. This has caused much outrage with some seeing this turning execution into a spectacle. Although the Pentagon announced its intention, Reuters reports that President Trump has not yet decided whether to permit the broadcast.
As Christians, we turn to Scripture to seek understanding and direction which clearly states that human dignity is found at the starting point in creation: “So God created man in his own image” (Genesis 1:27, KJV).
We cannot excuse the actions or wrongdoing or those who are guilty but neither must we ignore the grieving, the vulnerable and victims of violence.
Pope Leo stated: “The common good can be safeguarded and the requirements of justice can be met without recourse to capital punishment.”
Ultimately, justice should protect society, by honouring victims and create an opportunity for true repentance. It is here that we find true compassion. True compassion does not respond to public opinions but instead to practical acts of supporting bereaved families in the best possible way.
Consequently, Speak Life is more than a slogan, but a responsibility and duty to treat every person with dignity, even when grief or other emotions overwhelms us.
We are called to care for and protect the vulnerable and the weak and it is our responsibility to seek God’s direction during such times.
