Unpacking Suicide and Mortal Sin

You may have heard the outrage over a homily given by Detroit priest Fr. Don LaCuesta at the funeral of a teenager who had committed suicide.  The family took their criticisms to the media, launching a small firestorm for the priest and the archdiocese. The firestorm eventually ended when the archdiocese released the homily to the media, leaving most people confused on what the family was so upset about.

This story was the setting for a post on Twitter that really bothered me.  It said that suicide was a mortal sin and the funeral should have never been offered.  This troubling comment is what I will be unpacking here.

Let's start by looking at the Catholic Church says about mortal sin.  Mortal sin, which is a grave violation of God's law, turns us away from God.  You don't ever want to do this.  Further, the Church provides three conditions that must be fulfilled in order for a sin to be mortal:  grave matter, full knowledge that the act is a sin, and complete consent of the will.  (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1854-1861)

Applying these conditions, it is possible to say that individuals who have attempted suicide may not have committed mortal sin.  Suicide is certainly grave matter, but there are two things that we don't know:  if the troubled individual knows that suicide is contrary to God's law and the personal's ability to give complete consent since he/she is under such emotional duress.

In recognizing this, the Church teaches: "Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship...can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide." She also instructs: "We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives.  By ways known to Him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance.  The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives." (CCC 2282)

Returning to the tweet, it wasn't the inconsistency with Church teaching that bothered me, but rather the attitude that was conveyed towards people who have attempted suicide.  In the reality that the Gospel message brings us, those affected by suicide should be embraced by the Church, especially since the need for them to receive God's grace is so obvious.  Further, no one should ever have to experience such despair that suicide is considered. 

You're probably wondering if I entered into dialogue with the person on Twitter...  I did.  It must have been fruitful because he eventually deleted his tweet (otherwise I would have included a picture of it).   I learned a lot from him as well- he himself had attempted suicide when he was younger and I'm not sure if he has ever forgiven himself for it.  Be sure to be sensitive when broaching topics like this.  You may not know about the wounds the other person is carrying.

Please read Fr. LaCuesta's homily.  It's actually really beautiful.

If you are contemplating suicide, please reach out to someone.  All life reflects God's beauty, including yours.