Difference between revisions of "United Methodist Church"

Revision as of 12:37, 6 February 2012

Official website: http://www.umc.org

Beginning of Life

Abortion

The UMC allows for abortion in only very particular cases and after much prayer and consideration. Official Statement: See "Abortion: Overview" page on denominational website.^[1]

"Our belief in the sanctity of unborn human life makes us reluctant to approve abortion. But we are equally bound to respect the sacredness of the life and well-being of the mother, for whom devastating damage may result from an unacceptable pregnancy. In continuity with past Christian teaching, we recognize tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion, and in such cases we support the legal option of abortion under proper medical procedures. We cannot affirm abortion as an acceptable means of birth control, and we unconditionally reject it as a means of gender selection." (Book of Discipline^[2])

"We oppose the use of late-term abortion known as dilation and extraction (partial-birth abortion) and call for the end of this practice except when the physical life of the mother is in danger and no other medical procedure is available, or in the case of severe fetal anomalies incompatible with life. We call all Christians to a searching and prayerful inquiry into the sorts of conditions that may warrant abortion. We commit our Church to continue to provide nurturing ministries to those who terminate a pregnancy, to those in the midst of a crisis pregnancy, and to those who give birth. We particularly encourage the Church, the government, and social service agencies to support and facilitate the option of adoption. (See ¶ 161.K.)" (Book of Discipline^[3])

"Governmental laws and regulations do not provide all the guidance required by the informed Christian conscience. Therefore, a decision concerning abortion should be made only after thoughtful and prayerful consideration by the parties involved, with medical, pastoral, and other appropriate counsel." (Book of Discipline^[4])

"We call on the church to support persons who, because of the likelihood of severe genetic disorders, must make difficult decisions regarding reproduction. We reaffirm the 1988 General Conference (The Book of Discipline 1988, ¶ 71G) position opposing the termination of pregnancy solely for the purpose of gender selection." ("New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[5])

Contraception

Official Statement: The UMC has taken a position on population control that is suggestive for practices of contraception.

"Since the growing worldwide population is increasingly straining the world’s supply of food, minerals, and water and sharpening international tensions, the reduction of the rate of consumption of resources by the affluent and the reduction of current world population growth rates have become imperative.

People have the duty to consider the impact on the total world community of their decisions regarding childbearing and should have access to information and appropriate means to limit their fertility, including voluntary sterilization.

We affirm that programs to achieve a stabilized population should be placed in a context of total economic and social development, including an equitable use and control of resources; improvement in the status of women in all cultures; a human level of economic security, health care, and literacy for all. We oppose any policy of forced abortion or forced sterilization." (Book of Discipline^[6])

Infertility & Reproduction

Reproductive Technology

Official Statement:

Nuclear Transfer and Cloning (for reproduction)

"We oppose the cloning of humans and the genetic manipulation of the gender of an unborn child." (Book of Discipline^[7])

Excess Embryos from IVF

The UMC advocates only producing enough embryos to achieve one pregnancy at a time. (The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church,^[8] 2004.)

"Given the reality that most, if not all, of these excess embryos will be discarded—we believe that it is morally tolerable to use existing embryos for stem cell research purposes. This position is a matter of weighing the danger of further eroding the respect due to potential life against the possible, therapeutic benefits that are hoped for from such research. The same judgment of moral tolerability would apply to the use of embryos left from future reproductive efforts if a decision has been made not to introduce them into the womb. We articulate this position with an attitude of caution, not license. We reiterate our opposition to the creation of embryos for the sake of research." (Book of Resolutions 2000,^[9] p. 254)

Frozen Oocytes

Official Statement:

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Healthcare & Medicine

Access to Healthcare

Official Statement:

"The right to health care includes care for persons with brain diseases, neurological conditions or physical disabilities, who must be afforded the same access to health care as all other persons in our communities. It is unjust to construct or perpetuate barriers to physical or mental wholeness or full participation in community." (Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[10])

As part of "Access to Healthcare" the UMC affirms access to educational tools and information regarding preventative healthcare as well as information on family planning and AIDS prevention: "We affirm the right of men and women to have access to comprehensive reproductive health/family planning information and services which will serve as a means to prevent unplanned pregnancies, reduce abortions and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS." (Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[11])

"We support the right of all persons to health care and health-care resources regardless of their genetic or medical conditions. We support equal access to medical resources, including genetic testing and genetic counseling by appropriately educated and trained health-care professionals. We affirm that responsible stewardship of God's gift of human life implies access of all persons to genetic counseling throughout their reproductive life." ("New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[12])

Conscience Issues

Official Statement:

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Medical Tourism

Official Statement:

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Organ Donation & Transplantation

Official Statement:

The UMC encourages organ donation and transplantation. It considers it a free gift that should be conducted with respect towards all involved.

"We believe that organ transplantation and organ donation are acts of charity, agape love, and self-sacrifice. We recognize the life-giving benefits of organ and other tissue donation and encourage all people of faith to become organ and tissue donors as a part of their love and ministry to others in need. We urge that it be done in an environment of respect for deceased and living donors and for the benefit of the recipients, and following protocols that carefully prevent abuse to donors and their families." (Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[13])

Privacy of Healthcare Information

Official Statement:

The UMC takes a strong stance on confidentiality of genetic information:

"Genetic data of individuals and their families should be kept secret and held in strict confidence unless confidentiality is waived by the individual or by his or her family, or unless the collection and use of genetic identification data is supported by an appropriate court order." (Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[14])

"We support the privacy of genetic information. Genetic data of individuals and their families shall be kept secret and held in strict confidence unless confidentiality is waived by the individual or his or her family, or unless the collection and use of genetic identification data are supported by an appropriate court order. We support increased study of the social, moral, and ethical implications of the Human Genome Project. We support wide public access to genetic data that do not identify particular individuals. We oppose the discriminatory or manipulative use of genetic information, such as the limitation, termination, or denial of insurance or employment." ("New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[15])

Science & Technology

Biotechnology

Animal-Human Hybrids & Chimeras

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Human Cloning

Official Position:

"We oppose the cloning of humans and the genetic manipulation of the gender of an unborn child." (Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[16])

"we still believe that human embryos should not be created purely for the sake of research, or created with the advance intention of destroying them, or cloned for harvesting stem cells." (The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[17])

"We call on all nations to ban human cloning (the intentional production of genetically identical or essentially identical human beings and human embryos), whether such cloning is funded privately or through government research." ("New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[18])

Stem Cell Research

Official Position: from "Ethics of Embryonic Stem Cell Research"^[19]

The UMC does not have a moral problem with the use of adult stem cells or stem cells from fetal tissue such as umbilical cord blood.

"Given the reality that most, if not all, of these excess embryos will be discarded—we believe that it is morally tolerable to use existing embryos for stem cell research purposes. This position is a matter of weighing the danger of further eroding the respect due to potential life against the possible, therapeutic benefits that are hoped for from such research. The same judgment of moral tolerability would apply to the use of embryos left from future reproductive efforts if a decision has been made not to introduce them into the womb. We articulate this position with an attitude of caution, not license. We reiterate our opposition to the creation of embryos for the sake of research." (Book of Resolutions 2000,^[20] p. 254)

"We call for a ban on medical and research procedures which intentionally generate "waste embryos" which will knowingly be destroyed when the medical procedure or the research is completed." ("New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[21])

"we still believe that human embryos should not be created purely for the sake of research, or created with the advance intention of destroying them, or cloned for harvesting stem cells." (The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[22])

Emerging Technologies

Ethical Use of Technology

Official Statement:

"We recognize science as a legitimate interpretation of God’s natural world. We affirm the validity of the claims of science in describing the natural world, although we preclude science from making authoritative claims about theological issues. We recognize technology as a legitimate use of God’s natural world when such use enhances human life and enables all of God’s children to develop their God-given creative potential without violating our ethical convictions about the relationship of humanity to the natural world." (The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[23])

"In acknowledging the important roles of science and technology, however, we also believe that theological understandings of human experience are crucial to a full understanding of the place of humanity in the universe. Science and theology are complementary rather than mutually incompatible. We therefore encourage dialogue between the scientific and theological communities and seek the kind of participation that will enable humanity to sustain life on earth and, by God’s grace, increase the quality of our common lives together." (The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[24])

"Technology in Service to Humanity and God — God has given human beings the capacity for research and technological invention, but the worship of science is idolatry. Genetic techniques have enormous potential for enhancing creation and human life when they are applied to environmental, agricultural, and medical problems. When wisely used, they often provide positive—though limited and imperfect—solutions to such perplexing social problems as insufficient food supply, spread of disease, ecological deterioration, overpopulation, and human suffering. When used recklessly, for greedy profit, or for calculated improvement of the human race (eugenics), genetic technology becomes corrupted by sin. Moreover, we recognize that even the careful use of genetic technologies for good ends may lead to unintended consequences. We confess that even our intended consequences may not be in the best interest of all." ("New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[25])

Genetic Ethics

"The United Methodist doctrinal/theological statement affirms that "new issues continually arise that summon us to fresh theological inquiry. Daily we are presented with an array of concerns that challenge our proclamation of God's reign over all of human existence" (The Book of Discipline 1988, ¶ 69).

One of the concerns that merits critique in light of theological understandings is genetic science. The urgent task of interpreting the faith in light of the biotechnology revolution and evaluating the rapidly emerging genetic science and technology has only begun. The issues demand continuing dialogue at all levels of the church as persons from diverse perspectives seek to discern and live out God's vision for creation." ("New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[26])

"Technology in Service to Humanity and God — God has given human beings the capacity for research and technological invention, but the worship of science is idolatry. Genetic techniques have enormous potential for enhancing creation and human life when they are applied to environmental, agricultural, and medical problems. When wisely used, they often provide positive—though limited and imperfect—solutions to such perplexing social problems as insufficient food supply, spread of disease, ecological deterioration, overpopulation, and human suffering. When used recklessly, for greedy profit, or for calculated improvement of the human race (eugenics), genetic technology becomes corrupted by sin. Moreover, we recognize that even the careful use of genetic technologies for good ends may lead to unintended consequences. We confess that even our intended consequences may not be in the best interest of all." ("New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[27])

"We affirm that knowledge of genetics is a resource over which we are to exercise stewardship responsibly in accordance with God's reign over creation. The use of genetic knowledge in ways that destabilize and fragment creation is resisted as a violation of God's vision of justice, peace, and wholeness. We caution that the prevalent principle in research that what can be done should be done is insufficient rationale for genetic science. This principle should be subject to legal and ethical oversight in research design and should not be the prevalent principle guiding the development of new technologies. Applications of research to technologies need moral and ethical guidance. We urge adequate public funding of genetic research so that projects not likely to be funded by private grants will receive adequate support and so that there will be greater accountability to the public by those involved in setting the direction of genetic research." ("New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[28])

Gender Selection

Official Statement:

"We oppose the cloning of humans and the genetic manipulation of the gender of an unborn child." (Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[29])

"We call on the church to support persons who, because of the likelihood of severe genetic disorders, must make difficult decisions regarding reproduction. We reaffirm the 1988 General Conference (The Book of Discipline 1988, ¶ 71G) position opposing the termination of pregnancy solely for the purpose of gender selection." ("New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[30])

Gene Therapy/Genetic Engineering

Official Statement:

"The responsibility of humankind to God’s creation challenges us to deal carefully with the possibilities of genetic research and technology. We welcome the use of genetic technology for meeting fundamental human needs for health, a safe environment, and an adequate food supply." (Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[31])

"Because of the effects of genetic technologies on all life, we call for effective guidelines and public accountability to safeguard against any action that might lead to abuse of these technologies, including political or military ends. We recognize that cautious, well-intended use of genetic technologies may sometimes lead to unanticipated harmful consequences." (Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[32])

The UMC distinguishes between the use of rDNA and genetic technology for alleviation of suffering versus cosmetic purposes.

"We support human somatic gene therapies (recombinant DNA therapies that produce genetic changes in an individual which cannot be passed to offspring) that prevent or minimize disease and its effects. But we believe these therapies should be limited to the alleviation of suffering caused by disease. We urge that guidelines and government regulations be developed for the use of all gene therapies. We oppose human germ-line therapies (those that result in changes that can be passed to offspring) because of the possibility of unintended consequences and of abuse. With current technology it is not possible to know if artificially introduced genes will have unexpected or delayed long-term effects not identifiable until the genes have been dispersed in the population. We oppose both somatic and germ-line therapies when they are used for eugenic purposes or enhancements, that is, to provide only cosmetic change or to provide social advantage. Furthermore, we urge that government regulations and professional organization guidelines be developed and effectively implemented for all gene therapies." ("New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church,2004.^[33])

"Human gene therapies that produce changes that cannot be passed to offspring (somatic therapy) should be limited to the alleviation of suffering caused by disease." (Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[34])

Genetic Screening

Official Statement:

"Because its long-term effects are uncertain, we oppose genetic therapy that results in changes that can be passed to offspring (germ-line therapy)." (Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[35])

Genetic Testing

Official Statement:

"We support the right of all persons to health care and health-care resources regardless of their genetic or medical conditions. We support equal access to medical resources, including genetic testing and genetic counseling by appropriately educated and trained health-care professionals. We affirm that responsible stewardship of God's gift of human life implies access of all persons to genetic counseling throughout their reproductive life." ("New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church,2004.^[36])

Patenting of Human Tissue/Gene Patenting

Official Statement:

The UMC is against patenting of human genes and the patenting of new life forms, while there is permissibility to patent processes.

"But should exclusive ownership rights apply to the gene pool? In 1984, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church declared genes to be a part of the common heritage of all peoples. The position taken by the church in 1984 is consistent with our understanding of the sanctity of God's creation and God's ownership of life. Therefore, exclusive ownership rights of genes as a means of making genetic technologies accessible raises serious theological concerns. While patents on organisms themselves are opposed, process patents—wherein the method for engineering a new organism is patented—provide a means of economic return on investment while avoiding exclusive ownership of the organism and can be supported." ("New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church,2004.^[37])

"We urge that genes and genetically modified organisms (human, plant, animal) be held as common resources and not be exclusively controlled, or patented. We support improvements in the procedures for granting patents on processes and techniques as a way to reward new developments in this area." ("New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church,2004.^[38])

Human Enhancement

Official Statement:

"The responsibility of humankind to God’s creation challenges us to deal carefully with the possibilities of genetic research and technology. We welcome the use of genetic technology for meeting fundamental human needs for health, a safe environment, and an adequate food supply." (Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[39])

"Because of the effects of genetic technologies on all life, we call for effective guidelines and public accountability to safeguard against any action that might lead to abuse of these technologies, including political or military ends. We recognize that cautious, well-intended use of genetic technologies may sometimes lead to unanticipated harmful consequences." (Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[40])

The UMC distinguishes between the use of rDNA and genetic technology for alleviation of suffering versus cosmetic purposes.

"We support human somatic gene therapies (recombinant DNA therapies that produce genetic changes in an individual which cannot be passed to offspring) that prevent or minimize disease and its effects. But we believe these therapies should be limited to the alleviation of suffering caused by disease. We urge that guidelines and government regulations be developed for the use of all gene therapies. We oppose human germ-line therapies (those that result in changes that can be passed to offspring) because of the possibility of unintended consequences and of abuse. With current technology it is not possible to know if artificially introduced genes will have unexpected or delayed long-term effects not identifiable until the genes have been dispersed in the population. We oppose both somatic and germ-line therapies when they are used for eugenic purposes or enhancements, that is, to provide only cosmetic change or to provide social advantage. Furthermore, we urge that government regulations and professional organization guidelines be developed and effectively implemented for all gene therapies." ("New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church,2004.^[41])

"Human gene therapies that produce changes that cannot be passed to offspring (somatic therapy) should be limited to the alleviation of suffering caused by disease." (Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[42])

Cyborgs

Official Statement:

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Transhumanism/Posthumanism

Official Statement:

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Human Research Ethics

Official Statement:

"Physical and mental health has been greatly enhanced through discoveries by medical science. It is imperative, however, that governments and the medical profession carefully enforce the requirements of the prevailing medical research standard, maintaining rigid controls in testing new technologies and drugs utilizing human beings. The standard requires that those engaged in research shall use human beings as research subjects only after obtaining full, rational, and uncoerced consent." (Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2004^[43])

Experimentation on Human Embryos

Official Statement:

"Given the reality that most, if not all, of these excess embryos will be discarded—we believe that it is morally tolerable to use existing embryos for stem cell research purposes. This position is a matter of weighing the danger of further eroding the respect due to potential life against the possible, therapeutic benefits that are hoped for from such research. The same judgment of moral tolerability would apply to the use of embryos left from future reproductive efforts if a decision has been made not to introduce them into the womb. We articulate this position with an attitude of caution, not license. We reiterate our opposition to the creation of embryos for the sake of research." (Book of Resolutions 2000,^[44] p. 254)

"we still believe that human embryos should not be created purely for the sake of research, or created with the advance intention of destroying them, or cloned for harvesting stem cells." (The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[45])

The use of excess embryos from IVF must be determined with proper consent. (The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[46])

End of Life

Artificial Hydration & Nutrition

Official Statements:

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Definition of Death

Official Statements:

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Extraordinary Measures

Official Statements:

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Physician-Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia

Official Statement:

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Withholding & Withdrawing Treatment

Official Statement:

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Issues of Human Dignity & Discrimination

Disability Ethics

Official Statement:

"The right to health care includes care for persons with brain diseases, neurological conditions or physical disabilities, who must be afforded the same access to health care as all other persons in our communities. It is unjust to construct or perpetuate barriers to physical or mental wholeness or full participation in community." (Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[47])

Eugenics

Official Statements:

"Technology in Service to Humanity and God — God has given human beings the capacity for research and technological invention, but the worship of science is idolatry. Genetic techniques have enormous potential for enhancing creation and human life when they are applied to environmental, agricultural, and medical problems. When wisely used, they often provide positive—though limited and imperfect—solutions to such perplexing social problems as insufficient food supply, spread of disease, ecological deterioration, overpopulation, and human suffering. When used recklessly, for greedy profit, or for calculated improvement of the human race (eugenics), genetic technology becomes corrupted by sin. Moreover, we recognize that even the careful use of genetic technologies for good ends may lead to unintended consequences. We confess that even our intended consequences may not be in the best interest of all." ("New Developments in Genetic Science" in The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, 2004.^[48])

Notes

1. ↑ http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.2239163/k.A82E/Abortion_Overview.htm
2. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1732
3. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1732
4. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1732
5. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=1083
6. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1754
7. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1758
8. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=6560
9. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=6560
10. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1765
11. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1765
12. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=1083
13. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1766
14. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1758
15. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=1083
16. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1758
17. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=6560
18. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=1083
19. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=6560
20. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=6560
21. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=1083
22. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=6560
23. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1820
24. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1820
25. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=1083
26. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=1083
27. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=1083
28. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=1083
29. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1758
30. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=1083
31. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1758
32. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1758
33. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=1083
34. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1758
35. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1758
36. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=1083
37. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=1083
38. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=1083
39. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1758
40. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1758
41. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=1083
42. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1758
43. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1757
44. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=6560
45. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=6560
46. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=6560
47. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1765
48. ↑ http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=4&mid=1083