Episcopal Church

Official Denominational Website: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/

Beginning of Life

Abortion

Official Statement: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, New Orleans, 1982 (New York: General Convention, 1983), p. C-156.

"Resolved, That the following principles and guidelines adopted by the 65th General Convention (1976) and reaffirmed by the 66th General Convention (1979) be reaffirmed by this 67th General Convention:

1. That the beginning of new human life, because it is a gift of the power of God's love for his people, and thereby sacred, should not and must not be undertaken unadvisedly or lightly but in full accordance of the understanding for which this power to conceive and give birth is bestowed by God.
2. Such understanding includes the responsibility for Christians to limit the size of their families and to practice responsible birth control. Such means for moral limitations do not include abortions for convenience.
3. That the position of this Church, stated at the 62nd General Convention of the Church in Seattle in 1967 which declared support for the "termination of pregnancy" particularly in those cases where "the physical or mental health of the mother is threatened seriously, or where there is substantial reason to believe that the child would be born badly deformed in mind or body, or where the pregnancy has resulted from rape or incest" is reaffirmed. Termination of pregnancy for these reasons is permissible.
4. That in those cases where it is firmly and deeply believed by the person or persons concerned that pregnancy should be terminated for causes other than the above, members of this Church are urged to seek the advice and counsel of a Priest of this Church, and, where appropriate, Penance.
5. That whenever members of this Church are consulted with regard to proposed termination of pregnancy, they are to explore with the person or persons seeking advice and counsel other preferable courses of action.
6. That the Episcopal Church express its unequivocal opposition to any legislation on the part of the national or state governments which would abridge or deny the right of individuals to reach informed decisions in this matter and to act upon them. (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, New Orleans, 1982)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, New Orleans, 1982 (New York: General Convention, 1983), p. C-157.

"Resolved, That the 67th General Convention of the Episcopal Church strongly condemns the act of abortion when the sole purpose of such action is the selection of the sex of the child; and be it further

Resolved, That this new ability to diagnose serious abnormalities in the fetus before birth is a welcome gift to reduce pain and sorrow in the parents and suffering in the newborn, but that abortion after the diagnosis of non-serious or trivial abnormalities, or abortion in a case where purely cosmetic abnormalities are discovered, is also strongly condemned." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, New Orleans, 1982)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Detroit, 1988 (New York: General Convention, 1989), p. 683.

"All human life is sacred. Hence, it is sacred from its inception until death. The Church takes seriously its obligation to help form the consciences of its members concerning this sacredness. Human life, therefore, should be initiated only advisedly and in full accord with this understanding of the power to conceive and give birth which is bestowed by God.

It is the responsibility of our congregations to assist their members in becoming informed concerning the spiritual, physiological and psychological aspects of sex and sexuality.

The Book of Common Prayer affirms that "the birth of a child is a joyous and solemn occasion in the life of a family. It is also an occasion for rejoicing in the Christian community" (p 440). As Christians we also affirm responsible family planning.

We regard all abortion as having a tragic dimension, calling for the concern and compassion of all the Christian community.

While we acknowledge that in this country it is the legal right of every woman to have a medically safe abortion, as Christians we believe strongly that if this right is exercised, it should be used only in extreme situations. We emphatically oppose abortion as a means of birth control, family planning, sex selection, or any reason of mere convenience.

In those cases where an abortion is being considered, members of this Church are urged to seek the dictates of their consciences in prayer, to seek the advice and counsel of members of the Christian community and where appropriate the sacramental life of this Church.

Whenever members of this Church are consulted with regard to a problem pregnancy, they are to explore, with grave seriousness, with the person or persons seeking advice and counsel, as alternatives to abortion, other positive courses of action, including, but not limited to, the following possibilities: the parents raising the child; another family member raising the child; making the child available for adoption.

It is the responsibility of members of this Church, especially the clergy, to become aware of local agencies and resources which will assist those faced with problem pregnancies.

We believe that legislation concerning abortions will not address the root of the problem. We therefore express our deep conviction that any proposed legislation on the part of national or state governments regarding abortions must take special care to see that individual conscience is respected, and that the responsibility of individuals to reach informed decisions in this matter is acknowledged and honored. (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Detroit, 1988)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 1994 (New York: General Convention, 1995), pp. 323-25.

"Resolved, That this 71st General Convention of the Episcopal Church reaffirms resolution C047 from the 69th General Convention [SEE ABOVE] . . . and be it further

Resolved, That this 71st General Convention of the Episcopal Church express its unequivocal opposition to any legislative, executive or judicial action on the part of local, state or national governments that abridges the right of a woman to reach an informed decision about the termination of pregnancy or that would limit the access of a woman to safe means of acting on her decision." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 1994)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, 1997 (New York: General Convention, 1998), p. 270.

"Resolved, That this 72nd General Convention of the Episcopal Church express grave concern about the use in the third trimester of pregnancy of the procedure known as intact dilation and extraction (commonly called "partial birth abortion") except in extreme situations; and be it further

Resolved, That the 72nd General Convention of the Episcopal Church continue to encourage its Dioceses and Congregations to give necessary aid and support to all pregnant women." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, 1997)

Contraception

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, New Orleans, 1982 (New York: General Convention, 1983), p. C-154.

"Resolved, That as a means of world population control this 67th General Convention of the Episcopal Church reaffirm the right of individuals to use any natural or safe artificial means of conception control." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, New Orleans, 1982)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 1994 (New York: General Convention, 1995), pp. 281-82.

"Resolved, That the Episcopal Church reaffirm the 1930 Lambeth Conference of the Anglican communion, which approved contraception for purposes of family planning; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church, in order to improve the quality of life for all, commend to the several dioceses and agencies of the Episcopal Church as well as to the relative structures of the Anglican Communion programs and projects to provide information to all men and women on the full range of affordable, acceptable, safe, and non-coercive contraceptive and reproductive health care services, utilizing educational programs which start with parents and their children; and be it further

Resolved, That governments everywhere be encouraged to recognize, acknowledge and seek remedies to reverse the rapid global population growth that adversely affects the health, education and quality of life of women; the prospects for peace; and depletes environmental resources" (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 1994)

Infertility & Reproduction

Reproductive Technologies

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, New Orleans, 1982 (New York: General Convention, 1983), p. C-158.

"Resolved, That this 67th General Convention of the Episcopal Church gives approval to usage of so-called "in vitro" fertilization for the purpose of providing children in a marriage." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, New Orleans, 1982)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991 (New York: General Convention, 1992), p. 773.

"Resolved, That the 70th General Convention reaffirm the recommendation that married couples who are members of this Church and who are considering the use of external fertilization and embryo transfer, seek the advice and assistance of a qualified professional counselor and the pastoral counsel and care of this church and consider adoption as one of the options open to them." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 2012 (New York: General Convention, 2012), p. 488.

"Resolved,That the 77th General Convention urge health insurance providers used by churches, dioceses and other church-related agencies to provide insurance options that provide coverage for infertility treatment." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 2012)

Healthcare & Medicine

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991 (New York: General Convention, 1992), p. 251.

"Resolved, That the 70th General Convention recommend that every diocese review the reports of the Standing Commission on Health and other resources nationally and locally, with the intention of addressing the issues, establishing guidelines for healthy Christian living, informing our members, assisting the Church in voicing ethical insights in national debates on health matters, and sharing our concern and support with those working in the field of health care." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 1994 (New York: General Convention, 1995), p. 146.

"Resolved, That this 71st General Convention urge adequate government funding and support for research and development, prevention and treatment in matters affecting the health and quality of life of women, including domestic violence, AIDS, heart disease, breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer, safe and effective contraceptives, and other methods of pregnancy prevention, maternity care, menopause and chronic illnesses unique to or prevalent among women." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991)

Access to Healthcare

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 1985 (New York: General Convention, 1986), p. 206.

"Resolved, That this 68th General Convention of the Episcopal Church invite its principal ecumenical and interfaith partners to join this Church in calling upon the President of the United States and the Congress to authorize and appoint a National Commission on the Reform of Health Care charged with making recommendations concerning ways in which health services in these United States may be more economically and efficiently made available in a fair and equitable manner to all Americans, addressing in the process the 1984 findings of the National Citizens Board of Inquiry Into Health in America; and be it further

Resolved, That this 68th General Convention recommend and affirm the support by local congregations of community preventive health programs, such as alcohol and drug counseling, school health classes, immunization programs, maternal-child education programs, environmental health programs, crisis centers, suicide prevention programs and poison control centers; and be it further

Resolved, That this 68th General Convention encourage development in local congregations of training programs for lay persons through which pastoral care can be extended and strengthened through lay visitation; and be it further

Resolved, That this 68th General Convention commend the many programs initiated by congregations in community outreach and services, and encourage expanded efforts by all congregations to identify their community resources and assist in raising financial and personnel support for such health services as food kitchens, shelters for the homeless, legal aid centers, mental health centers, neighborhood health clinics, homes for persons with physical and mental disabilities or both, home health care, hospice care for the dying and their families, and halfway houses." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 1985)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Detroit, 1988 (New York: General Convention, 1989), p. 693.

"Resolved, That this 69th General Convention direct the Presiding Bishop and the Executive Council, in light of the strains upon the health care system exerted by the AIDS Epidemic, to direct the Washington D.C. office of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America to adopt a strategy to advocate for all persons suffering from illness by creating appropriate levels of cost-effective health care, for example, hospices and alternative health care facilities." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Detroit, 1988)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991 (New York: General Convention, 1992), p. 610.

"Resolved, That the 70th General Convention decries the inequitable health care delivery system of the United States of America and calls upon the President, the Congress, Governors and other leaders to devise a system of universal access for the people of our country." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991 (New York: General Convention, 1992), p. 764.

"Resolved, That this 70th General Convention assert the right of all individuals to medically necessary health care, including long-term services; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church be encouraged at all levels to advocate for legislation for comprehensive medical benefits to include diagnostic tests, primary and tertiary care for acute and chronic conditions, rehabilitation care, long-term care, mental health services, dental care and prescription drugs; special attention should be given to the needs of individuals with limited self-care capabilities." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991)

Conscience Issues

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991 (New York: General Convention, 1992), p. 383.

"We acknowledge that there are circumstances in which health care providers, in good conscience, may decline to act on request to terminate life-sustaining systems if they object on moral or religious grounds. In such cases we endorse the idea of respecting the patient's right to self-determination by permitting such patient to be transferred to another facility or physician willing to honor the patient's request, provided that the patient can readily, comfortably and safely be transferred. We encourage health care providers who make it a policy to decline involvement in the termination of life-sustaining systems to communicate their policy to patients or their surrogates at the earliest opportunity, preferably before the patients or their surrogates have engaged the services of such a health care provider." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 1994 (New York: General Convention, 1995), p. 288.

"Resolved, That this 71st General Convention of the Episcopal Church adopt the following four principles as the position of the Episcopal Church regarding health care:

• That universal access to quality, cost effective, health care services be considered necessary for everyone in the population.
• That "quality health care" be defined so as to include programs in preventive medicine, where wellness is the first priority.
• That "quality health care" include interdisciplinary and interprofessional components to insure the care of the whole person--physiological, spiritual, psychological, social.
• That "quality health care" include the balanced distribution of resources so that no region of the country is underserved." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 1994)

Organ Donation & Transplantation

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, New Orleans, 1982 (New York: General Convention, 1983), p. C-147.

"Resolved, That The Episcopal Church recognize the life-giving benefits of organ, blood, and tissue donation and encourage 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." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, New Orleans, 1982)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991 (New York: General Convention, 1992), p. 251.

"Resolved, That the 70th General Convention recommend and urge all members of this Church to consider seriously the opportunity to donate organs after death that others may live, and that such decision be clearly stated to family, friends, church and attorney." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991)

Science & Technology

Biotechnology

Human Cloning

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003 (New York: General Convention, 2004), p. 209.

"It is not morally acceptable to use reproductive cloning, and it is therefore morally irresponsible for physicians, scientists, and prospective parents to engage in it." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003)

Stem Cell Research

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 2000 (New York: General Convention, 2001), p. 654.

"Resolved, That the 73rd General Convention of the Episcopal Church call for a moratorium on research using human stem cells harvested from embryos, because it causes the destruction of human life; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention of the Episcopal Church affirm ethical standards that protect every human life regardless of stage of development from being mistreated or marginalized for the benefit of another life; and be it further

Resolved, That the General Convention of the Episcopal Church encourage researchers to use stem cells harvested from umbilical cords and adult donors rather than from human embryos, as this type of research does not destroy a human life." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 2000)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003 (New York: General Convention, 2004), p. 613f.

"Resolved, That the 74th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, believing that a wider availability of embryonic stem cells for medical research holds the potential for discovery of effective treatment of a wide variety of diseases and other medical conditions;

(A) Support the choice of those who wish to donate their early embryos, remaining after in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures have ended; and

(B) Urge that the United States Congress pass legislation that would authorize federal funding for derivation of and medical research on human embryonic stem cells that were generated for IVF and remain after fertilization procedures have been concluded, provided that:

1. these early embryos are no longer required for procreation by those donating them and would simply be discarded;
2. those donating early embryos have given their prior informed consent to their use in stem cell research;
3. the embryos were not deliberately created for research purposes;
4. the embryos were not obtained by sale or purchase; and be it further

Resolved, That the 74th General Convention of The Episcopal Church urge the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an interdisciplinary oversight body for all research in both the public and private sectors that involves stem cells from human embryos, parthenotes, sperm cells, or egg cells, and have this body in place within six months of passing such legislation; and be it further

Resolved, That the 74th General Convention of The Episcopal Church direct the Secretary of General Convention to communicate this resolution to appropriate members and committees of the United States Congress and direct the Office of Government Relations to identify and advocate the legislation called for by this resolution." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003)

Genetic Ethics

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 2009 (New York: General Convention, 2009), p. 378.

"Resolved, That the 76th General Convention urge all dioceses to adopt the following statement: Personal history is a fundamental human right and knowledge of one’s entire parentage should be assumed as part of a person’s natural property; and be it further

Resolved, That the 76th General Convention urge all dioceses to adopt the following statement: That all state legislatures be urged to establish procedures that would enable adoptees [upon reaching legal age] to secure current information regarding their historical heritage, medical history and genetic derivation without the necessity of court action." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 2009)

Gender Selection

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, New Orleans, 1982 (New York: General Convention, 1983), p. C-157.

"Resolved, That the 67th General Convention of the Episcopal Church strongly condemns the act of abortion when the sole purpose of such action is the selection of the sex of the child." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, New Orleans, 1982)

Gene Therapy/Genetic Engineering

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 1985 (New York: General Convention, 1986), p. 179.

"Resolved, That this 68th General Convention encourages genetic engineering research to increase human understanding of vital processes, recognizing that human DNA is a great gift of God, lying at the center of life and directing our development, growth and functioning; and be it further

Resolved, That in order to provide effective therapy designed to reduce human suffering, encouragement should be given to the multiplication of "cloned" human genes in especially designed "in vitro" conditions, a process providing the valuable source of pure human proteins which make this therapy possible, provided that through action by Congress authorization is given to the Food and Drug Administration or to some other appropriate agency which includes those competent in the necessary scientific disciplines and also persons with training in ethics and representatives of the general population and non-scientific members, to assure an ethically acceptable use of these human proteins; and be it further

Resolved, That commendation be given to trained genetic counselors and the organizations which support them; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board for Theological Education and the Council of Seminary Deans be requested:

(a) to provide for an appropriate group, equipped with pertinent scientific and theological competency, to study the implications of genetic knowledge and genetic manipulation for the Church's teaching; and

(b) to include basic training in human genetics in the curricula of our seminary continuing education programs; and

(c) to hold up before seminarians and clergy the need for clergy and other ministers to acquire special training in genetics and ethics in order to work progressionally with parents, health professionals and others caring for babies or other loved ones with genetic disorders." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 1985)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991 (New York: General Convention, 1992), p. 251.

"Resolved, That the 70th General Convention adopt the following guidelines in the area of genetic engineering:

1. There is no theological or ethical objection against the production and use of medicinal materials by means of genetic manipulation for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes aimed at the prevention or alleviation of human suffering.
2. There is no theological or ethical objection against gene therapy, if proved to be effective without undue risk to the patient and if aimed at prevention or alleviation of serious suffering.
3. The benefits of this new technology should be equally available to all who need these for the prevention or alleviation of serious suffering, regardless of financial status.
4. The use of results of genetic screening of adults, newborns and the unborn for the purpose of discrimination in employment and insurance is unacceptable." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003 (New York: General Convention, 2004), p. 254f.

"Resolved, That the 74th General Convention recognize that God has entrusted us to use our medical and other capabilities to work toward healing and restoring creation where it has gone awry. Therefore, that the General Convention set forth the following guidelines for genetic research and interventions:

• It is morally acceptable, in principle, to engage in experimental somatic cell human gene transfer for therapeutic purposes, in an effort to treat or prevent disease.
• All experimental genetic interventions in human beings must meet ethical standards of research, which require that investigators demonstrate the scientific merit of their research, protect the health and welfare of human volunteers, while ensuring their volunteers' choice to participate without conflicts of interest or undue financial influence.
• Until there is strong scientific evidence that the use of germline procedures is safe, effective, and stable across generations and that guidelines have been established for their use before they are employed, we should not consider the use of germline interventions in human beings.
• Ongoing public oversight of research into both somatic cell and germline interventions, in both the public and private sectors, is essential. Members of a federally appointed interdisciplinary review body should be chosen by publicly accountable methods." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003)

Genetic Screening

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991 (New York: General Convention, 1992), p. 251.

"The use of results of genetic screening of adults, newborns and the unborn for the purpose of discrimination in employment and insurance is unacceptable." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991)

Genetic Testing

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003 (New York: General Convention, 2004), p. 209.

"Resolved, That the 74th General Convention reaffirm that children are entrusted to us as gifts from God to be nurtured toward maturity. Therefore:

• Genetic testing of children can be an important part of parental responsibility, and may be carried out if it is clearly in the child's best interests to be tested;
• Treatment for genetic diseases and the use of somatic gene transfer therapies may be used if they are proven safe and effective;
• New genetic techniques may be used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization to avoid procreation of human beings with clearly serious disorders of their DNA or chromosomes;
• It is not morally acceptable to use reproductive cloning, and it is therefore morally irresponsible for physicians, scientists, and prospective parents to engage in it." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003)

Human Research Ethics

Experimentation on Human Embryos

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003 (New York: General Convention, 2004), p. 613f.

"Resolved, That the 74th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, believing that a wider availability of embryonic stem cells for medical research holds the potential for discovery of effective treatment of a wide variety of diseases and other medical conditions;

(A) Support the choice of those who wish to donate their early embryos, remaining after in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures have ended; and

(B) Urge that the United States Congress pass legislation that would authorize federal funding for derivation of and medical research on human embryonic stem cells that were generated for IVF and remain after fertilization procedures have been concluded, provided that:

1. these early embryos are no longer required for procreation by those donating them and would simply be discarded;
2. those donating early embryos have given their prior informed consent to their use in stem cell research;
3. the embryos were not deliberately created for research purposes;
4. the embryos were not obtained by sale or purchase; and be it further

Resolved, That the 74th General Convention of The Episcopal Church urge the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an interdisciplinary oversight body for all research in both the public and private sectors that involves stem cells from human embryos, parthenotes, sperm cells, or egg cells, and have this body in place within six months of passing such legislation; and be it further

Resolved, That the 74th General Convention of The Episcopal Church direct the Secretary of General Convention to communicate this resolution to appropriate members and committees of the United States Congress and direct the Office of Government Relations to identify and advocate the legislation called for by this resolution." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Minneapolis, 2003)

Fetal Tissue Research

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991 (New York: General Convention, 1992), p. 384.

"Resolved, That the 70th General Convention rejects conception for the purpose of providing fetal tissues for therapeutic or medical research usages; and be it further

Resolved, That this 70th General Convention rejects the use of fetal tissues aborted for financial profit for use in therapy and medical research, and be it further

Resolved, That the discussion concerning the use for therapeutic or medical research purposes of tissues from healthy fetuses, aborted to save the life of the mother, be continued during the next triennium." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991)

End of Life

Official Statement from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991 (New York: General Convention, 1992), p. 386.

"Resolved, That the 70th General Convention reaffirms its 1982 resolution (1982-C002a) recognizing and approving the "Living Will" (Advanced Directive) as a beneficial document to be used by individuals as a tool for discussing one's medical wishes before the time of illness and impending death, and encourages both physicians and their patients to more faithfully and honestly pursue such discussions and the execution of such living wills; and be it further

Resolved, That this General Convention urges physicians, nurses, families, patients, surrogates and legislative bodies where necessary, to show aggressive commitment to the concept of allowing peaceful death in a setting that enables the patient to maintain control and dignity, free from intrusion of unwanted and inappropriate technology, and also from intolerable suffering because of under-use of available pain medication, including narcotic drugs; and be it further

Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Human Affairs and Health and other appropriate bodies within the Church be urged to continue to study the complex issues surrounding the quality of life and terminal care, and especially the rightness of refusing life-saving treatments and the inappropriate use of technology in prolonging the act of dying or indefinitely sustaining persons who are in a permanent vegetative state." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991)

Official Statement from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 2000 (New York: General Convention, 2001), p. 219f.

"Resolved, That the 73rd General Convention, mindful of the resolutions on health care of the 69th, 70th, and 71st General Conventions and the resolutions on Principles on the Prolongation of Life of the 70th and 71st General Conventions [SEE BELOW], call upon federal and state lawmakers to:

• Remove existing legal, financial, and regulatory obstacles to the provision of effective and comprehensive palliative care and pain and symptom management for persons approaching death;
• Enable timely referrals to hospice for persons approaching death;
• Promote the development of care grounded in the hospice model of care for those in the advanced stages of a chronic, degenerative illness who are not eligible for Medicare hospice coverage but whose illness has progressed to a point where supportive care related to foreseeable death would be appropriate and beneficial to them and to their families;
• Improve education and training in palliative care and pain and symptom management for health care professionals; and be it further

Resolved, That the 73rd General Convention call upon the health care professions to improve the quality of palliative care and pain and symptom management for those near the end-of-life by such measures as:

• Providing sufficient levels of pain-relieving or sedating medication for those approaching death to alleviate their pain and suffering, with their consent or that of their surrogate;
• Making timely referrals to hospice care." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 2000)

Official Statement from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 2009 (New York: General Convention, 2009), pp. 537-538.

"Resolved, That the 76th General Convention reaffirm Resolution 1991-A093a of the 70th General Convention, as amended in Resolution 1994-A056 of the 71st General Convention regarding Principles With Regard to the Prolongation of Life [SEE BELOW]." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 2009)

Physician-Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991 (New York: General Convention, 1992), p. 383.

"Resolved, That this 70th General Convention set forth the following principles and guidelines with regard to the forgoing of life-sustaining treatment in the light of our understanding of the sacredness of human life:

1. Although human life is sacred, death is part of the earthly cycle of life. There is a "time to be born and a time to die" (Eccl. 3:2). The resurrection of Jesus Christ transforms death into a transition to eternal life: "For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead" (I Cor. 15:21).
2. Despite this hope, it is morally wrong and unacceptable to take a human life in order to relieve the suffering caused by incurable illness. This would include the intentional shortening of another person's life by the use of a lethal dose of medication or poison, the use of lethal weapons, homicidal acts, and other forms of active euthanasia.
3. However, there is no moral obligation to prolong the act of dying by extraordinary means and at all costs if such dying person is ill and has no reasonable expectation of recovery." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 1994 (New York: General Convention, 1995), pp. 289-90.

"Resolved, That the 71st General Convention amend point two of the eight-point principles and guidelines concerning prolongation of life set forth in Resolution A093a of the 70th General Convention [SEE ABOVE], to read as follows:

2. Despite this hope, it is morally wrong and unacceptable to intentionally take a human life in order to relieve the suffering caused by incurable illness. This would include the intentional shortening of another person's life by the use of a lethal dose of medication or poison, the use of lethal weapons, homicidal acts, and other forms of active euthanasia. Palliative treatment to relieve the pain of persons with progressive incurable illnesses, even if done with the knowledge that a hastened death may result, is consistent with theological tenets regarding the sanctity of life." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 1994)

Withholding & Withdrawing Treatment

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991 (New York: General Convention, 1992), p. 383.

"Resolved, That this 70th General Convention set forth the following principles and guidelines with regard to the forgoing of life-sustaining treatment in the light of our understanding of the sacredness of human life:

1. Although human life is sacred, death is part of the earthly cycle of life. There is a "time to be born and a time to die" (Eccl. 3:2). The resurrection of Jesus Christ transforms death into a transition to eternal life: "For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead" (I Cor. 15:21).
2. Despite this hope, it is morally wrong and unacceptable to take a human life in order to relieve the suffering caused by incurable illness. This would include the intentional shortening of another person's life by the use of a lethal dose of medication or poison, the use of lethal weapons, homicidal acts, and other forms of active euthanasia.
3. However, there is no moral obligation to prolong the act of dying by extraordinary means and at all costs if such dying person is ill and has no reasonable expectation of recovery.
4. In those cases involving persons who are in a comatose state from which there is no reasonable expectation of recovery, subject to legal restraints, this Church's members are urged to seek the advice and counsel of members of the church community, and where appropriate, its sacramental life, in contemplating the withholding or removing of life-sustaining systems, including hydration and nutrition.
5. We acknowledge that the withholding or removing of life-sustaining systems has a tragic dimension. The decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment should ultimately rest with the patient, or with the patient's surrogate decision-makers in the case of a mentally incapacitated patient. We therefore express our deep conviction that any proposed legislation on the part of national or state governments regarding the so called "right to die" issues, (a) must take special care to see that the individual's rights are respected and that the responsibility of individuals to reach informed decisions in this matter is acknowledged and honored, and (b) must also provide expressly for the withholding or withdrawing of life-sustaining systems, where the decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining systems has been arrived at with proper safeguards against abuse.
6. We acknowledge that there are circumstances in which health care providers, in good conscience, may decline to act on request to terminate life-sustaining systems if they object on moral or religious grounds. In such cases we endorse the idea of respecting the patient's right to self-determination by permitting such patient to be transferred to another facility or physician willing to honor the patient's request, provided that the patient can readily, comfortably and safely be transferred. We encourage health care providers who make it a policy to decline involvement in the termination of life-sustaining systems to communicate their policy to patients or their surrogates at the earliest opportunity, preferably before the patients or their surrogates have engaged the services of such a health care provider.
7. Advance written directives (so-called "living wills," "declarations concerning medical treatment" and "durable powers of attorney setting forth medical declarations") that make a person's wishes concerning the continuation or withholding or removing of life-sustaining systems should be encouraged, and this Church's members are encouraged to execute such advance written directives during good health and competence and that the execution of such advance written directives constitute loving and moral acts.
8. We urge the Council of Seminary Deans, the Christian Education departments of each diocese, and those in charge of programs of continuing education for clergy and all others responsible for education programs in this Church, to consider seriously the inclusion of basic training in issues of prolongation of life and death with dignity in their curricula and programs." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 1994 (New York: General Convention, 1995), pp. 289-90.

"Resolved, That the 71st General Convention amend point two of the eight-point principles and guidelines concerning prolongation of life set forth in Resolution A093a of the 70th General Convention [SEE ABOVE], to read as follows:

2. Despite this hope, it is morally wrong and unacceptable to intentionally take a human life in order to relieve the suffering caused by incurable illness. This would include the intentional shortening of another person's life by the use of a lethal dose of medication or poison, the use of lethal weapons, homicidal acts, and other forms of active euthanasia. Palliative treatment to relieve the pain of persons with progressive incurable illnesses, even if done with the knowledge that a hastened death may result, is consistent with theological tenets regarding the sanctity of life." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, 1994)

Issues of Human Dignity & Discrimination

Disability Ethics

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991 (New York: General Convention, 1992), p. 822.

"Resolved, That members of the Episcopal Church are encouraged to become knowledgeable about mental illness in order to reduce stigma and stereotypes which are prevalent within the Church body and the Community-at-large; and be it further

Resolved, That the Episcopal Church and all its units and organizations, be encouraged to reach out, welcome, include and support persons with a mental illness, particularly those who have a prolonged, serious mental illness, and the families of those persons, and recognize the abilities and celebrate the gifts of those who have a mental illness; and be it further

Resolved, That the church encourage the development of specific programs to equip the clergy and laity for ministry to the mentally ill and their families and that clergy and lay ministers seek out training and opportunities to minister to the spiritual needs of those who are affected by a mental illness; and be it further

Resolved, That dioceses and congregations work with existing agencies and organizations to assist with and initiate programs, such as support groups, drop-in centers, housing and employment opportunities, which lead to an improved quality of life for people who have a mental illness, with specific attention to those who have become homeless; and be it further

Resolved, That dioceses, congregations and individual parishioners become advocates for public policy and adequate funding to provide comprehensive community-based services, hospital care and research into the causes and treatment of mental illness." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 2000 (New York: General Convention, 2001), p. 670.

"Resolved, That the 73rd General Convention adopt the "National Council of Churches Policy Statement on Disabilities, the Body of Christ, and the Wholeness of Society"; and be it further

Resolved, That every diocese study this document and implement its points in their life." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Denver, 2000)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 2009 (New York: General Convention, 2009), pp. 178-179.

"Resolved, That the 76th General Convention recognize the urgent need to find a way to effect a re-evaluation by the appropriate federal, state and local agencies of the care and long-term treatment of the chronically mentally ill members of our communities; and be it further

Resolved, That this resolution be the beginning of a mission for our country led by The Episcopal Church to develop an action plan with the help of mental health professionals, government officials, church leaders and other appropriate partners to find ways for communities to move forward with concrete steps to deal with these issues without moving backward into the abuses of the past." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 2009)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Salt Lake City, 2015 (New York: General Convention, 2015), p. 835.

"Resolved, That the 78th General Convention in accordance reaffirm and renew the Church’s longtime commitment to the principles of inclusion and the advancement of the human rights of all people with disabilities; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention recognize and acknowledge that the United States of America is the last developed nation member of the United Nations that has yet to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and recognize that other countries in which The Episcopal Church exists have ratified the treaty; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention call on the United States Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities during the 114th Congress of the United States, and direct the Office of Government Relations to lobby the Senate for the ratification of this treaty and direct the Episcopal Public Policy Network to urge all members of the Church in the United States to contact their Senators and advocate for ratification of the treaty." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Salt Lake City, 2015)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Salt Lake City, 2015 (New York: General Convention, 2015), pp. 422-423.

"Resolved, That The Episcopal Church recognize that all people are children of God and that those with developmental disabilities may require different approaches to education and pastoral care; and be it further

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention direct the Episcopal Church Center to publicize, through the Episcopal Church website and by other appropriate means, to dioceses, congregations, and Christian Formation leaders, compilations of resources that will help educators and clergy in the formation of persons with developmental disabilities." (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Salt Lake City, 2015)

Official Statement: from General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Salt Lake City, 2015 (New York: General Convention, 2015), pp. 408-409.

"Resolved, That The Episcopal Church reaffirm and renew the Church’s commitment to people with disabilities in society, and recognize mission and leadership of the Episcopal Disability Network in helping to challenge and guide our Church’s work in this area; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church affirm our Church’s many ministries with those who are suspects, defendants, incarcerated, or otherwise involved with the criminal justice system, following the call of Jesus to attend to those who are in prison as if they are Christ himself; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church recognize and acknowledge that roughly half of adult criminal defendants in the United States have a physical, mental, learning, or other disability and two-thirds of juvenile defendants have a disability qualifying them for special education services and instruction; and that we further acknowledge persistent race-based disparities in the treatment of people with mental health conditions in our criminal justice system, and that in particular Black people with mental health conditions are more likely to be incarcerated than people of other races with similar conditions; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church recognize that people with disabilities are often denied significant civil rights and even the liberty of life through encounters with law enforcement officials and throughout the criminal justice system, and that many are denied proper treatment and accommodations while in the system; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church condemn unreasonable use of force by law enforcement against people with disabilities and urge law enforcement officials to consider the possibility of disability when engaging with criminal suspects, and urge law enforcement leaders to provide extensive training to frontline officers on how to identify and engage effectively with people with disabilities; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church advocate for the civil rights and proper treatment of and accommodations for people with disabilities throughout the criminal justice system and ask the Episcopal Public Policy Network to help the Church advocate on this issue; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church recognize that all who minister in the criminal justice system, whether with law enforcement officials, defendants, or prisoners, need to understand disability issues in order to do their work effectively; and therefore urge all in the Church who are involved with these ministries to seek training and education on mental and physical disabilities and the legal rights of people with disabilities, by partnering with disability organizations and networks in our communities that provide this training" (Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Salt Lake City, 2015)