Expert: Carl Fuglein - 2/1/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi! I'm June from Far Eastern University in the Philippines. I was wondering if I could ask you some questions regarding suicide.
1. Does committing suicide considered a sinful act?
2. Does the Catholic Church honors people who committed suicide?
3. Does the Catholic Church condemn people who once attempted to commit suicide?

Thank You for your help.

ANSWER: Hi June

1.  Suicide is the same as murder (thou shalt not kill) and is indeed a sin.

2. I'm not sure what you mean by honoring people who commit suicide.  Could you elaborate?

3. The Catholic church, nor any other church, gets to condemn people.  Condemnation is reserved for God.  The Catholic church, as far as I know, considers suicide a mortal sin.  If this is what you mean by condemnation, then yes, the church does condemn suicides.


I think that we, as Christians, need to reach out to those who are contemplating suicide, and let them know that God values their life and that it is worth something.

If you know someone who has committed suicide, it's difficult to know whether or not they are in heaven or hell.  I have to hold on to the thought that somehow, just before they committed suicide, that they asked God for forgiveness.

Hope this helps.  Please write back for more calrification.

carl



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the help.
Regarding the second qeustion, for example, the Japanese performs hara-kiri during the war, which is like a form of suicide, right? Why do they acknowledge this and why do they do such acts?
Is suicide accepted by the Catholic Church?
Lastly, does the church gives proper funeral to people who committed suicide?
Thanks again. I really appreciate your help.

Answer
Hi June-

In japanese society, hari-kari is a matter of honor, not having anything to do with religion.  Those who commit hari-kari would be honored by their family. Why do they do it?  I don't know, it doesn't make sense to me.  I suggest you do some research into Japanese tradition.  I would say the answer to your question about the Catholic church is no, they do NOT honor suicide in the same manner.

The Catholic church considers suicide a mortal sin to the best of my knowledge.

Yes, just about every Christian and Jewish church would give a proper funeral to those who commit suicide.


May I ask you a question now?  Do you know someone who committed suicde or who is contemplating suicide?



thanks,
carl