LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2001, Page 162

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162

RESOLUTIONS

claims to show promising results in using stem cells to treat
diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and
others. Most stem cells are taken from frozen embryos unused in in vitro fertilization. The embryos are inevitably destroyed in the process. The current administration is debating whether to allocate federal funds for harvesting
embryonic stem cells. While initially opposing such funding,
great pressure has been placed upon the administration to
allow this funding to proceed because of its potential medical application.
WHEREAS, Embryos are not, as some claim, “potential
human beings,” nor are they physical entities absent a soul,
but are totally and fully human in every way although in
the early process of physical development (Jer. 1:5); and
WHEREAS, Embryonic stem cell research follows a utilitarian philosophy that says “let us do evil that good may
result” (Rom. 3:8); and
WHEREAS, Embryonic stem cell research necessarily involves the intentional destruction of human beings; and
WHEREAS, The Christian is called to defend life at all
stages of development and in all conditions because it is a
gift from God (Luke 1:41, 44; Ps. 139:16; Is. 49: 1, 5); and
WHEREAS, Laboratories in the U.S. are already producing embryos for the specific purpose of destroying them for
their stem cells; and
WHEREAS, There are other sources of stem cells that do
not involve the destruction of life, such as umbilical cord
blood and adult stem cells from various sources; and

200l Convention Proceedings

WHEREAS, The LCMS is not opposed to all stem cell research as a means of seeking alleviation for disease; therefore be it
Resolved, That stem cell research involving the destruction of embryos be rejected as sinful and morally objectionable; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS denounce the utilitarian values that place the possible healing of medical diseases over
the life of defenseless human beings; and be it further
Resolved, That the President of the Synod send a letter
to the President of the U.S., in all due haste, to encourage
and urge him to reject using public funds for research that
deliberately and intentionally kills human beings; and be
it further
Resolved, That the Board for Human Care Ministries be
charged with responsibilities for providing resources, education, and encouragement to the members of the Synod on
stem cell research and all appropriate applications of the
principle of the sanctity of every human life from conception to natural death; and be it finally
Resolved, That all action taken in this resolution shall be
used to help carry out “The Great Commission” and shall
not in any way detract or distract from the primary mission
of God’s kingdom here on earth. We will remember 1-02!
Action: Adopted (11)
(The resolution was adopted after discussion [yes: 963; no: 53].
The final resolve is added as required by Res. 1-02, adopted by
the convention in an earlier session of the convention.)