To Rescind 1981 Resolution 8-05 and Request Commission on Theology and Church Relations Report on Human Organ Donation and Transplantation

WHEREAS, The 1981 Synod convention adopted Resolution 8- 05, “To Encourage Donation of Kidneys and Other Organs”:

WHEREAS, We accept and believe that our Lord Jesus came to give life and to give it abundantly (John 10:10); and

WHEREAS, Through advances in medical science we are aware that at the time of death some of our organs can be transplanted to alleviate pain and suffering of afflicted human beings(see Gal. 6:10); and

WHEREAS, Our Heavenly Father has created us so that we can adequately and safely live with one kidney and can express our love and relieve the unnecessary prolonged suffering of our relative; and

WHEREAS, We have an opportunity to help others out of love for Christ, through the donation of organs; therefore be it

Resolved, That our pastors, teachers, and DCE’s be encouraged to inform the members of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod of the opportunity to sign a Universal Donor Card (which is to authorize the use of our needed organs at the time of death in order to relieve the suffering of individuals requiring organ transplants); and be it further

Resolved, That we encourage family members to become living kidney donors; and be it further

Resolved, That the program committees of pastors and teachers conferences be encouraged to include “organ and tissue transplants” as a topic on their agendas; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Board of Social Ministry and World Relief seek ways to implement this program so that the entire Synod may join in this opportunity to express Christian concern; and

WHEREAS, Both medical technology and its academic, peer- reviewed, and published theological assessment have advanced significantly since 1981; and

WHEREAS, The recitals of 1981 Res. 8-05 may now be considered jejune and theologically dubious for the complex and morally weighty question of human organ donation and transplantation and the implications of its encouragement and rout in iz ation realized since 1981; and

WHEREAS, The operative clauses of 1981 Res. 8-05 may improperly, even if unintentionally, burden the consciences of pastors, church workers, and laity who hold informed and serious concerns about the practice and moral implications of routinized human organ donation and transplantation; and

WHEREAS, The Synod is blessed with many gifted theologians considered experts in theological ethics who are well-informed on the moral significance and contemporary concerns of routinized human organ donation and transplantation; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention rescind 1981 Res. 8-05;

and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention ask the Commission on Theology and Church Relations to produce a document to be published before the 2029 convention that considers and evaluates the theological and moral implications of human organ donation and transplantation.