Christians Find Relevance in Schiavo Case Over Easter
March 26, 2005 — -- Even as the legal and political battles over Terri Schiavo simmer down, the case of the dying Florida woman remains a fervent topic among religious groups -- especially Christians as they celebrate this Easter weekend.
A number of Christian leaders across the country say they find the Schiavo case relevant as they mark the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ and they plan to bring up the controversy over whether or not Schiavo should be kept alive by a feeding tube during their Easter forums.
"Jesus died that we might live," the Rev. Thomas Foudy, pastor of St. Coleman Catholic Church in Pompano Beach, Fla., told his congregation last weekend. "So, very much, this situation is a powerful, poignant and relevant example of the sacredness and the beauty of life and the significance of what Jesus did for us."
But, just as many Americans are divided over the issue, so are Christians.
Charles Henderson, a Presbyterian minister and Christianity Guide for About.com, has been hosting an online forum about the Schiavo case for the site. He says he has received a lot of "strong reaction" from other Christians over his online editorial asserting there is as much a sacred right to die, as there is to live.
"Some Christians are having a hard time understanding what's going on here," said Henderson, who has led congregations in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. "It's easy to identify with Schiavo's parents who keep saying their daughter is being starved to death."
Still, Henderson believes many Christians would argue that people in Schiavo's situation should have a right to forego the life support of a feeding tube. He finds particular relevance in the biblical story of Christ's death.
"Good Friday is a day that celebrates a voluntary death," he said. "Christ chose to die to express his love for humanity. I wouldn't compare Terri Schiavo to Jesus Christ directly, but Jesus' message was that physical life is not the ultimate value."
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