Whenever Jack Kevorkian assisted in a suicide or took to his soapbox to further his crusade, he created controversy in the religious community. Royal Oak clergy weigh in with their thoughts on his life and death:
“I am saddened by his death, as I’d be saddened by anyone’s death," said the Rev. Tom Rice of . "I admired him for bringing end-of-life issues to national attention. I disagree with how he did it and his part of the focus. But I find Hospice to be important and compassionate to those in a terminal situation and how we can help them with the end of life.”
The Rev. Kathryn Kelly of appreciated Kevorkian raising the discussion about end of life issues.
“He prompted us all to deal with pain and suffering and raised awareness of the patient and prolonging life," she said. "Sometimes it’s an act of mercy and compassion. We won’t know how God will react until we can ask Him that question. Only God knows what were the intentions of Dr. Kevorkian’s heart.”
Vicar Trevor Sutton of focused on Kevorkian's family.
“Obviously, the passing of anyone is a time of mourning and sadness. We don’t know what’s in someone’s heart, which can make death even more sad and causes more grief if they don’t know Jesus as their savior. We can only hope that Dr. Kevorkian knows Jesus as his Savior. I encourage prayers for his family and friends as they mourn.”
