What does it mean to truly value life? In a world that often measures worth by independence, productivity, and economic contribution, those facing illness, disability, or aging can feel unseen, unheard, and undervalued. But the church is called to a different vision—one where justice and mercy shape our response to the most vulnerable among us.

During the month of February, BC’s 1Life Equipping collective hosted a weekly Justice and Mercy webinar series highlighting how issues like Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), disability-related poverty, and dementia care are intertwined, revealing systemic inequities and challenging the church to respond with justice, mercy, and a biblical vision of human dignity.

The role of deacons in the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) is deeply rooted in biblical advocacy—caring for the marginalized, seeking justice, and walking alongside those who are vulnerable. Through the lens of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), the church can shift its focus from deficiencies to strengths, empowering communities to address these issues collaboratively.

Some individuals seeking MAID cite poverty, lack of proper disability supports, and social isolation as reasons for their decision. 

At the heart of these issues is a fundamental question: how does society value life, particularly when individuals experience vulnerability due to illness, disability, or aging? The increasing accessibility of MAID raises concerns about whether people are being offered death as a response to suffering caused by social neglect. Some individuals seeking MAID cite poverty, lack of proper disability supports, and social isolation as reasons for their decision. When those with disabilities and chronic illnesses face inadequate care and financial hardship, it is not truly a free choice—it is a symptom of a society that fails to recognize and harness the strengths of its most vulnerable members. Rather than responding with fear or despair, deacons can work to uncover and mobilize the gifts and talents present within these communities, ensuring that people receive the support they need while being recognized for their inherent worth.

Similarly, disability-related poverty remains a persistent injustice. Amanda Lockitch from Disability without Poverty shared about the work she does advocating for the Canada Disability Benefit and fostering community initiatives. People with disabilities are more likely to live in poverty due to systemic barriers in employment, education, and social support. However, rather than seeing these individuals as recipients of charity, deacons can help facilitate connections that leverage their skills, passions, and contributions to society. Amanda also encouraged us as church members to think about ourselves and our communities and ask – if we did advocacy what skills do we have, and what would we like to work on?

Here, the church has an opportunity to build intergenerational networks of care

This challenge is further magnified in dementia care. As individuals age and experience cognitive decline, they often face neglect, underfunded long-term care, and caregiver burnout. The expansion of MAID eligibility to include those with dementia raises ethical concerns about how society views aging and cognitive disability. If dementia care remains inadequate, some may feel pressured to end their lives prematurely rather than endure isolation or inadequate support. Here, the church has an opportunity to build intergenerational networks of care—engaging youth, families, and volunteers to form communities where those with dementia are not only supported but also valued for the wisdom and experiences they bring.

These issues do not exist in isolation—they are interconnected symptoms of a society that often values autonomy over mutual care and economic efficiency over human dignity. By using an asset-based approach, the church is called to be a countercultural witness, affirming the gifts of every individual, especially when they are vulnerable. Deacons fulfill their mandate by advocating for policies and practices that uphold life, ensuring that no one feels abandoned to poverty and inadequate care. More importantly, they help communities recognize that solutions already exist within—by strengthening relationships, leveraging local resources, and celebrating the God-given dignity of all people.

Ultimately, biblical advocacy means recognizing that the sanctity of life extends beyond the issue of assisted dying—it encompasses fighting against disability-related poverty, ensuring dignified aging, and fostering a society where the most vulnerable are supported rather than cast aside. The Deacons’ role is to lead their communities to create sustainable, empowering ministries that reflect the kingdom of God.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio