Sanctity of Life

We believe that human beings are created by God in God’s image, so the sanctity of human life is a core principle of Catholicism. We believe that human life is sacred from the moment of conception until the moment of natural death.

In the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton we observe Sanctity of Life Sunday on the first Sunday of October each year. In 2020 the Bishop’s Advisory Panel for Sanctity of Life Issues has prepared some material to inform about our Catholic understanding of the sanctity of human life as well as some of the realities Euthanasia and the current situation in Queensland regarding abortion:

Remembering the Core Catholic Value of Human Dignity

We look at the how the inherent dignity bestowed on humanity by God is a core value of Catholicism. We also look at what the Church had to say about human dignity in the Vatican II document. Gaudium et Spes.

Remembering the Sanctity of Life from the Very Beginning

We remember that the sanctity of human life applies to all humans from the moment of conception. We look at the issue of abortion and some facts about the terrible Termination of Pregnancy Act that is currently in place in Queensland.

Respecting Life Until Natural Death

We look at how we believe in respecting the gift of life until natural death. We look at the issues of euthanasia and voluntary assisted suicide, and why Catholics should oppose efforts to legalise them in Queensland.

Remembering the Common Good

We remember that our belief in the sanctity of life calls us to work towards the common good in all areas and that Catholics have a moral responsibility to carefully consider the common good when voting in elections.

Bishop Michael’s Pastoral Letter

Bishop Michael addresses the issue of sanctity of life in light of the 2020 State election.