November 1, 2014 was the date set by twenty-nine year old Brittany Maynard, a newlywed diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, for her physician-assisted suicide. This recently available legal option created for the terminally ill adds another end of life choice for those facing a terminal prognosis. From taking the stance of “never giving up,” to a choice of receiving palliative care to making the decision to participate in an assisted suicide, there are many decisions terminally ill patients and their families must face.

This research project includes the interviewing of people representing a cross-section of Protestant Christians in America (including those who have identified their theology as conservative, main-line Protestant, and liberal) who will be asked questions about their faith and the role it plays in these controversial and personal choices. The project will also answer the question of how the community of faith and religious leaders can assist when members of their communities are faced with these decisions. The final project will be a structured weekend retreat program or four to six week study guide that can be used by groups and churches to facilitate sacred conversations about these important and timely issues.