A Canadian woman has been killed via assisted suicide in a church in Canada.

Betty Sanguin arrived at her church, Churchill Park United in Winnipeg, on a stretcher around noon on March 9, having chosen the sanctuary as the place to die. News on the event has come to light more recently.

James Mildred, of pro-life charity, CARE, said in response: “The fact that a church in Canada has endorsed the practice of assisted suicide is deeply troubling…I can honestly say that it is my clear conviction that God’s word is clear on this matter.

“Time and again, the Bible teaches us that our lives are in God’s hands, and we are not to murder or be involved in helping someone kill themselves.”

Chairs were set up in what Renée Sanguin, one of Betty’s daughters, described as a “circle of care.”

In what was dubbed a “crossing-over ceremony”, hymns were sung and guests said their goodbyes.

Afterwards, the church’s minister, Rev. Dawn Rolke, offered a blessing and each of Mrs Sanguin’s six children placed their hands on her as Rolke invited her to go in peace.