On the basis of the teaching of Holy Scripture as set forth in the findings of this study, we propose the following resolution for adoption by this Council.

RESOLVED that we, the Reformed Episcopal Church, vigorously affirm the biblical teaching of the sanctity of human life, and deplore the practice of permitting abortions, with the possible exception of cases where it has been clearly established that the life of the mother is in danger.

Based on a study done for the 97th Council of the New York and Philadelphia Synod in 1978 (now the Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic). This has been re-affirmed by the REC’s General Councils of 1990 , 1993, and 1996.

RESOLVED: That we, the Clergy and people of the Diocese of Mid-America of the Reformed Episcopal Church, in council assembled, while having compassion for those who are in pain, and who are suffering from serious illness or injury, do hereby condemn Doctor assisted suicide and all other forms of so called euthanasia as being wholly incompatible with Holy Scripture, and hold it to be in violation of the doctrines and teachings of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. While patients have a right to refuse treatment, or to request to withhold the use of extraordinary or superhuman efforts at prolonging life, we do not believe that this right extends to the active administration of drugs or other means to bring about the death of a patient. We believe that all of life is a sacred gift from God, and that all suicide has the very nature of sin. We further believe that Doctor assisted suicide is murder, and violates the sanctity of human life and is counter to the norms of any civilized society. We therefore commit ourselves to peaceably work and pray for the maintenance and strengthening of existing legal sanctions against all such forms of euthanasia in order to halt this evil perversion of the healing gifts of God. We urge all like minded Christians to join us in this task.

Resolution adopted August 22nd 1997 by the Diocese of Mid-America of the Reformed Episcopal Church and presented to the General Council of the Reformed Episcopal Church.

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