Church of England urges Christians to donate blood, organs
The Church of England has encouraged Christians to donate blood and organs as part of their "duty".
Bishop of Carlisle, James Newcome said Christians are called on to donate blood and organs as part of their "sacrificial offering" as much as it applies to gifts, time and money.
The diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales was behind the motion. They prepared a paper highlighting the work a church campaign aimed at raising awareness of the need for blood and organ donation and to mobilize Christians to take action.
National Health Service data indicated about 7,000 units of blood are used every day, but only 4% of the population of England regularly donate blood. An additional 225,000 donors each year are needed in order to meet current needs. In 2014-2015, there was a significant fall in the number of organ donors both in the living and the deceased.
The current "opt-in" system allows willing donors to register their wishes. Some campaigners have encouraged a change from the "opt-in" system to an "opt-out" system where organs can be collected from the deceased unless individuals have registered objections.
A separate background paper for the synod by the Church of England's Mission and Public Affairs Council stated the current "opt-in" system reflects a careful balance between the relationship of individuals, relatives, and state, and that switching to an "opt-out" system would signify a major, invasive change in the relationship between the state and its citizens. The paper says a significant increase in the number of lives enhanced or saved is needed before such a change should be introduced.
The motion will only be voted or debated if time permits. In the meantime, the business of the synod is the continuing debate over same-sex marriage and homosexuality; the recruitment of the clergy; the C of E's program of internal reform and the distribution of the church funds.
Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby was to address the synod at last month's meeting of Anglican primates divided over homosexuality from all over the globe.
