CTCR Statement on Bioethics Resources

Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) Statement

June 22, 2023 – At the 2022 LCC Synod Convention the following resolution was adopted: “To Request The PMC To Provide Relevant Materials Pertaining To The Intersection Between Biomedical Ethics, Technology And Theology” (Resolution 22.2.04b). The PMC (President’s Ministry Council) requested our CTCR (Commission on Theology and Church Relations) to assist in this task. As an initial step in this endeavour, the CTCR has provided a list of pertinent resources listed below.

Pastors, deacons, and congregations are encouraged to make use of these resources by discussing them in various forms—Bible Classes, Circuit Winkels, etc. Additional resources will be added to the main list of life resources on LCC’s website as they become available.

While LCC’s CTCR has recommended these resources as generally helpful for LCC members in terms of guidance on biomedical and life issues, it should be remembered that they are ultimately prepared by and hosted by external agencies. Readers should particularly note the distinction between Lutheran and non-Lutheran sources in the list, and exercise discernment accordingly.

Meilaender, Gilbert. Bioethics: A Primer for Christians. 4^th Edition. Wm B. Eerdmans Pub. Co. 2020.

• • Rev. Dr. Gilbert Meilaender, a prominent American bioethicist and a member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, is the author of this text on bioethics widely hailed as the best Christian introduction to the subject. Chapters include discussions of abortion, prenatal screening, suicide and euthanasia, refusing medical treatment, and more.

Euthanasia Prevention Coalition. www.epcc.ca

• • Up to date resources on physician assisted suicide and euthanasia in Canada.

Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. https://www.evangelicalfellowship.ca/Themes/Sanctity-of-Life

• • Up to date resources on abortion, physician assisted suicide, euthanasia, and other sanctity of life issues in Canada.

LCMS “Life Library.” https://www.lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/life-ministry/library

• • Papers, articles, and information on sanctity of life issues (including abortion, bioethics, euthanasia, and more) prepared by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. 

Lutherans for Life – Canada. https://lutheransforlife-canada.ca/

• • Pro-life news and events from a Canadian Lutheran perspective, including information on the March for Life in Canada.

Lutherans for Life (USA). https://lutheransforlife.org/ 

• • Numerous resources and publications on pro-life issues within an American context.

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LCC’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations is responsible for providing guidance to the church in matters of theology and relations with other church bodies. The commission consists of the president of Lutheran Church–Canada; a faculty representative from each of Synod’s two seminaries; two elected clergy members; and two elected laypersons. Their reports dealing with current issues within the church are released periodically. Learn more Here.

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