Abstract

This paper discusses ethical and theological issues of Sterbehilfe, assistance in the process of dying versus assistance to die, in particular the challenges of comfort care and palliative for the dying. Advance Directives are evaluated as instruments to establish patients preferences, to guide caregivers and physicians, and to honor patient~s values, visions and beliefs. It is recommended that churches and pastors take a lead in addressing these issues and help patients and their families in preparing for and executing Advance Directives, churches also should take a Iead in developing model forms. The appendix contains a sample of an integrated Patientenverfügrung, Advance Medical Directive including a durable power of attomey and a value-based wish-and-directive list, taking the German legal framework into account and based on monotheistic systems of regious orientation.