“The story goes that a public sinner was excommunicated and forbidden entry to the church. He took his woes to God. 'They won't let me in, Lord, because I am a sinner.'
'What are you complaining about?' said God. 'They won't let Me in either.” ― Brennan Manning
Story out of Edmonton, Alberta:
Edmonton Catholic Archbishop Richard Smith is defending the church's decision to refuse funerals to some Albertans who have chosen assisted dying.
The Catholic Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories issued new guidelines that say priests should not conduct ecclesiastical ceremonies for people who have died in "high-profile" assisted deaths.
The guidelines also say that families who want to celebrate the assisted-death decisions of their loved ones should be denied church funerals.
Smith said the guidelines are "nuanced," and there a few rare exceptions where those truly repentant for the "sinful act" may be granted funerals by the church.
The church does say that while "official funeral rites must be denied," Smith said there is still the possibility of a memorial mass for the person, simple prayers at the graveside, or a liturgy held at the funeral home. Cont.
Story from - CBC News
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