End of Life Decisions

The social message titled “End-of-Life Decisions” does not deal with the full scope of these complex matters; it draws upon a relevant social statement of a predecessor church body, “Death and Dying,” as basis for the guidance it offers. The message does, however, provide a Christian perspective and address several timely aspects of end-of-life situations, while encouraging further deliberation. The issues addressed in the message include allowing death and taking life, refusal of beneficial treatment and physician-assisted death. It concludes with attention to ministry in preparation for the end of life.

You can read or download the full social message on “End-of-Life Decisions” in English or en español. This social message was adopted in 1992 by the Church Council of the ELCA.

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