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From: mhollowa@ccmail.sunysb.edu
Newsgroups: alt.folklore.urban
Subject: Re: Religion and organ donation (Re: Interracial Organ Transplants)
Date: 7 Jun 1994 16:28:06 GMT

For reference on the subject of religion and organ donation. This is a list taken from the "Religious Issues in Donation and Transplantation" in the UNOS Organ Transplantation Medical School Curricullum. The chapter was written by Fr. Robert Smith, Chaplaincy Director of the Institute for Medicine in Contemporary Society at SUNY Stony Brook.

Its past time that other clerical leaders took the advocacy positions of the Luthern Church and Rabbi Tendler. I believe that the situation morally requires something more than just a neutral stance.

Gypsies are included even though it is emphasized that they represent a cultural group rather than a religious one. Apparently, their position is so unusual that Fr. Smith felt he had to include it.

Mike Holloway
mhollowa@ccmail.sunysb.edu

Specific Traditions

Health-care professionals should work with local religious communities and clergy in order to create a better understanding of donation and transplantation and their relation to religious ideals. Following is a summary of several major religious and ethnic traditions' basic beliefs associated with organ donation and transplantation:

Amish

Transplantation:
Acceptable if for the welfare
of transplant recipient.

Donation:
Reluctant if the transplant outcome
is known to be questionable.

Discussion:
The Amish will consent to transplantation if they know that it is for the health and welfare of the transplant recipient. They would be reluctant to donate their organs if the transplant outcome was known to be questionable. John Hostetler, world renowned authority on Amish religion and professor of anthropology at Temple University in Philadelphia, says in his book Amish Society, "The Amish believe that since God created the human body, it is God who heals."

However, nothing in the Amish understanding of the Bible forbids them from using modern medical services, including surgery, hospitalization, dental work, anesthesia, blood transfusions, or immunization.

Baha'i

Transplantation:
Acceptable, if prescribed
by medical authorities.

Donation:
Bahaists are permitted to donate
their bodies for medical research
and for restorative purposes.

Baptist

Transplantation:
Acceptable.

Donation:
Individual decision.

Discussion:
Baptists may belong to any of several autonomous religious conferences including American Baptist, Southern Baptist, Progressive Baptist, National Baptist, and Seventh Day Baptist. The conferences provide guidance on issues, but do not dictate policy to member congregations. Some conferences, such as the Southern Baptist, have adopted resolutions regarding organ donation and transplantation. Its 1988 resolution reads in part:

        Whereas, complete resurrection of the body does not depend on
        bodily wholeness at death and

        Whereas, the values of a godless society promote seltesufficiency
        to such a degree that people are indifferent to the needs of others,
        as seen in resistance to organ donation and

        Whereas, organ donation for research or transplantation is a matter
        of personal conscience . . .

        Be it further RESOLVED, that we encourage voluntarism regarding 
        organ donation in the spirit of stewardship, compassion for the 
        needs of others, and alleviating suffering and

        Be it further RESOLVED, that we recognize the validity of living 
        wills and organ donor cards, along with the right of the next of kin 
        to make decisions regarding organ donation and

        Be it finally RESOLVED, that nothing in the resolution be contrued 
        to condone euthanasia, infanticide, a portion, or harvesting of 
        fetal tissue for the procurement of organs.

Transplantation:
Buddha's teaching on the middle path, i.e., the avoiding of the extremes, may be applicable to these points. What is medicine to one may be poison to another. Administering of drugs, depending upon the nature of illness and the individual capacity is of utmost importance. The attainment of enlightment is of prime importance.

Donation:
This is a matter for individual choice.

Discussion:

The Buddhists believe that organ donation is a matter of individual conscience. There is no written resolution on the issue however, The Rev. Gyomay Masao, president and founder of the Buddhist Temple of Chicago and a practicing minister, says, "We honor those people who donate their bodies and organs to the advancement of medical science and to save lives."

Christian Science

Transplantation:
Individual decision.

Donation:
Individual decision.

Discussion:
The Church of Christ, Scientist takes no specific position on transplants or organ donation as distinct from other medical or surgical procedures. According to The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, Massachusetts, Christian Scientists normally rely on spiritual rather than medical means for healing. They are free, however, to choose whatever form of medical treatment they desire, including an organ transplant. The question of organ donation is the individual decision of church members.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Transplantation:
Individual decision.

Donation:
Individual decision.

Discussion:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) made the following policy statement on June 3, 1974: "The question of whether one should will bodily organs to be used as transplants or for research after death must be answered from deep within the conscience of the individual involved. Those who seek counsel from the church on this subject are encouraged to review the advantages and disadvantages of doing so, to implore the Lord for inspiration and guidance, and then to take the course of action which would give them a feeling of peace and comfort."

Episcopal Church

Transplantation:
Persons are encouraged to
undergo transplants only
when needed.

Donation:
Persons are encouraged to donate.
The ultimate disposal of these
parts should be done reverently.
Use of parts (eye, kidney, etc.) for
use in living persons is without
theological objection. The consent
of the donor before death or
responsible relatives afterwards
would be needed.

Discussion:
A resolution passed at the 1982 General Convention of the Episcopal Church stated that: "The Episcopal Church recognizes the life-giving benefits of organ, blood, and tissue donation and encourages all Christians to become organ, blood, and tissue donors as part of their ministry to others in the name of Christ, who gave His life that we may have life in its fullness."

Evangelical Covenant Church

Transplantation:
Acceptable.

Donation:
Acceptable.

Discussion:
A resolution passed at the Annual Meeting in 1982 encouraged the members to "sign and carry Organ Donor Cards." The resolution also recommended "that it become a policy with our pastors, teachers, and counselors to encourage awareness of organ donation in all our congregations."