Next week (April 17-24) is Canada’s national Organ and Tissue Donor awareness week. Dioceses and parishes are urged to support this week by helping to increase knowledge and awareness in their congregations of the importance of organ and tissue donation.
According to Health Canada, Canada’s rate of donation currently ranks lowest of all industrialized countries. More than 3,500 Canadians are waiting for an organ transplant, and every year, nearly 150 of them die in waiting.
Few people seem to think about organ and tissue donation, said Canon Linda Nicholls, General Synod, coordinator for dialogue, Faith, Worship & Ministry.
The Anglican Church of Canada supports organ donation. However, discussing organ donation can be difficult as it often means we are discussing the death of a donor.
Ms Nicholls said that as Christians, we should see organ donation as a sacrificial gift that can transform a moment of grief and death into a moment of life and hope for others. “It is the gift of life we can offer after our physical body is not needed, following the example of Christ, to be merciful and care for others.”
She urged diocese and parishes to participate in the events that will take place next week both at a local and national level; to encourage the discussions with their congregants; and to support the signing of donor cards.
For further information and questions please contact:
Canon Linda Nicholls,
Coordinator for Dialogue, Faith, Worship & Ministry
Tel: 416-924-9199 ext.209
Email:[email protected]
Click on links below to find out more about organ donation and events:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca
http://www.giftoflife.on.ca