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From the Desk of Bishop Héctor: Response to NY Medical Aid in Dying Act
December 19, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent electronically to Upper New York clergy on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez on Friday, December 19, 2025 following Governor Hochul's signing the NY Medical Aid in Dying Act into law.
Dear Upper New York community,
Grace and peace of Christ be with you in this holy season of Advent.
I write to share a matter requiring our collective attention, prayer, and wisdom. This week, Governor Hochul signed the Medical Aid in Dying Act into law. In the days since, many clergy and laity have expressed concern, grief, and disappointment as they wrestle with the pastoral, ethical, and theological implications of this legislation.
The United Methodist Church’s Social Principles speak clearly:
“Our conviction that life is a sacred gift… leads us as a church to oppose both euthanasia and suicide while continuing our ministries of mercy with families who are affected by such actions… We humbly confess the inadequacy of the church’s understanding and response… Recognizing that the final judgment lies in God’s hand rather than our own, we reject attempts to deny the ministries and service of the church to those who die by euthanasia or suicide or to their grieving families… We believe that suicide does not bar people from God’s grace… Rather than ostracizing or condemning survivors or family members affected by suicide, we urge pastors and congregations to provide compassion and support.” — ¶162, p.128, Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church
This moment calls us not only to reaffirm our Social Principles but to deepen our commitment to compassionate, Christ centered care. We are entrusted with the sacred work of accompanying people through fear, suffering, and uncertainty. In every conversation and moment of pastoral presence, may we embody God’s healing love—offering mercy without judgment, listening with tenderness, and standing alongside those who feel overwhelmed or alone.
Complicating this situation is an unauthorized public statement from the Executive Director of the New York State Council of Churches (NYSCC) endorsing this bill on behalf of the Council. This was issued without Executive Committee consultation and contradicts our denomination’s stance, causing confusion among United Methodists in Upper New York.
I have communicated both my principled opposition to this legislation and my concerns about this governance breach to the Council’s leadership. The Council has responded appropriately and issued a clarifying statement on its website.
You may read the NYSCC statement here.
As we navigate this complex and emotionally charged time, I invite you to join me in prayer—for wisdom, clarity, and the grace to lead with courage and compassion mindful of our diversity of beliefs and opinions. May Christ’s light guide our steps, and may our ministries reflect the healing, hope, and steadfast love of God in all we do.
Peace,
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
The United Methodist Church
Serving the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area