Organ and Tissue Donor Sunday
Organ and Tissue Donor Sunday, a United Methodist special Sunday observed as part of the National Donor Sabbath, is traditionally observed the second Sunday in November. The United Methodist Church supports organ and tissue donation:
We believe that organ transplantation and organ donation are acts of charity, agape love, and self-sacrifice. We recognize the life-giving benefits of organ and other tissue donation and encourage all people of faith to become organ and tissue donors as a part of their love and ministry to others in need. We urge that it be done in an environment of respect for deceased and living donors and for the benefit of the recipients, and following protocols that carefully prevent abuse to donors and their families.
The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2000
About National Donor Sabbath
Faith communities throughout the country will observe National Donor Sabbath during the second weekend of November. National Donor Sabbath helps to increase awareness of the critical need for organs and tissues and the miracle of transplantation. Religious leaders who participate in discussions of donation with their congregants can affirm that choosing to be an organ and tissue donor offers the opportunity to share the greatest blessing of all-- the gift of life.
This annual interfaith celebration of life stresses the importance of donation. Religious leaders who lead discussions of donation with their congregants affirm that choosing to be an organ and tissue donor offers the opportunity to share the greatest blessing of all -- the gift of life.
As participation in National Donor Sabbath increases and more individuals become aware of donation, one message is repeated time and again: make a decision about being an organ and tissue donor, sign a donor card, indicate your wishes on your driver's license, and tell your family. For a family who has lost a loved one and is considering donation, knowing the loved one's wishes in advance helps provide assurance that the right decision is made.
Testimonies
"I think now more than ever, I really understand the meaning of Acts 20:35 'It is more blessed to give than to receive,'"; said Kathy Gilbert, a writer for United Methodist News Service who donated a kidney to her step-father David Long. "I can't begin to describe the joy I feel knowing David is getting better. It is still hard for me to believe I actually went through with everything. Maybe saying this is my year of living dangerously is a little over the top. Maybe it is more accurate to say this was the year I stepped out on faith and was richly blessed by God."
"I received two corneas and my sight has returned," said Reverend Pat McKinney, senior minister at Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Cincinnati. "I count among my blessings every day the donors of these two corneas and give thanks for the gifts they gave. It is a beautiful world. I encourage everyone, especially my fellow religious leaders, to consider becoming organ and tissue donors. The gifts you give are meaningful beyond understanding."
"I know that places of worship are unique settings to talk about the precious gifts of life," said the Reverend Canon Dalton D. Downs, heart transplant recipient and Rector of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. "Regardless of race, religion, or culture, we can come together and help educate and lift awareness and ask for a response. . . by sharing the gift of life. Let us be faithful stewards and share this gift with others in need.";
See Also
Read more about one woman's personal experience
Find out more about organ and tissue donation and download donor cards and other resources at the US Department of Health and Human Services Donate Life website.
