News Release #377

Death of Terri Schiavo

by Bishop John C. Nienstedt

I am deeply saddened by the death of Terri Schiavo. I offer my condolences to her parents and family members. I pray that God offer her His forgiveness as a prelude to the gift of eternal life.

Her death was induced by the removal not of life supports, but of basic nutrition and hydration (i.e., food and water). Her case demonstrates the disparity that exists in this country between laws and basic moral principles. While we cannot legislate morality, we ought not to be legislating immorality. I urge our citizens to rally against the growing movement in our contemporary society toward an acceptance of involuntary euthanasia.