Rev. Dr. Chuck Currie

Statement on U.S. House Vote Setting Process for Impeachment of Donald Trump

As a Christian minister, I understand the importance of democracy. Our freedom is incumbent on the rule of law. The Constitution must be upheld. The vote by the U.S. House to formalize the #impeachment process was a moral imperative.

The majority of the U.S. House voted to uphold the rule of law by formalizing the impeachment process. It is disappointing to see the GOP vote in lockstep with Donald Trump. Where is their integrity? Where is their moral center?

Earlier this month, I joined over 100 other national Christian leaders in endorsing the impeachment inquiry. As we said: ”For the sake of our nation’s integrity and the most vulnerable in our society, we call on fellow Christians to support the current impeachment inquiry. Now is the time to shine the light of truth. Please join us in praying that the truth will be revealed and set us all free.”

#PrayForTruth

Oregon Governor Should Form Task Force On Dementia And End Of Life

Today, I sent the following letter to Oregon Governor Kate Brown asking that her office establish a task force to consider end of life issues for those facing dementia under the state’s Death With Dignity Act.

October 23, 2019

Dear Governor Brown:

Last session, legislation was considered in Oregon to extend the Death with Dignity Act to include those facing dementia. Understandably, considering the moral and ethical complexities involved, the legislation did not move forward. I personally support the concept of allowing those facing terminal neurological diseases to end their lives, but also believe more debate is needed.

Therefore, I am writing to ask you to appoint a short-term task force of diverse stakeholders to further study this issue and to make both majority and minority recommendations to your office and the Legislature. Such a task force should consider both care for those suffering from dementia and end of life options.

Dementia, of course, encompasses many different related neurological diseases. Death is always the outcome.

My own theological belief, which I have expressed previously, is that there is no freedom to change the reality of human existence.  Too often we try to pretend there is by tying ourselves to machines and medicines that prolong both life and suffering.  Unimaginable human suffering need not precede eternal life.  Jesus sought to end suffering.

God is a god of love, compassion, and healing.  Death is the natural end of life.  Oregon’s Death With DignityAct is not about the freedom to choose death; it is about recognizing the reality that death comes and that we can take medically appropriate steps to make that death as painless and dignified as possible.

Still, dementia raises unique concerns about how and when decisions can be made.

As different forms of dementia increase, in part, because our population is living longer, it would benefit Oregon to have this conversation in a thoughtful and informed way that includes diverse perspectives.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Chuck Currie