RESOLUTION 14-08
Overture 14-02, 14-07 (CW, pp. 329, 331)
WHEREAS, Because the Triune God alone gives life and recalls life unto Himself (Ps. 90), Christians guard and defend human life from conception to natural death; and
WHEREAS, Because Christians are called to help and protect their neighbor in every bodily need (Small Catechism), we have the duty and responsibility to care for human life from conception to natural death; and
WHEREAS, Our culture increasingly sees the lives of the chronically ill, the disabled, and the aged as a burden that individuals, their families, and society should not bear; and
WHEREAS, Elements of our society are enlisting the medical profession to administer death (physician-assisted suicide) rather than sustaining and protecting life; and
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has repeatedly affirmed that the medical community has the duty always to care, but never to kill; therefore be it
Resolved, That the LCMS continue as a strong voice for the sanctity of life, especially supporting the truth that life begins at conception and continues until natural death and therefore deserves our protection and care; and be it further
Resolved, That pastors and congregations be encouraged to utilize resources concerning care at the end of life which have been developed by the LCMS [The Pastoral Care Companion (pp. 221–227); by the Commission on Theology and Church Relations (Christian Care At Life’s End); and by LCMS Life Ministry (Mercy at Life’s End)], all of which offer guidance and counsel concerning end-of-life decisions; and be it further
Resolved, That pastors and congregations be aware of, and respond faithfully to, legislative and judicial rulings that call into question the value of those whose lives are rendered burdensome by disease, accident, or age; and be it finally
Resolved, That pastors will seek opportunities in their teaching and preaching to address end of life issues in such a manner that members of our congregations are prepared to think and act biblically when faced with decisions at the end of life.