Major religions agree on organ donation

Source: Pantagraph.com

Too often we hear about religion being a force that divides us, but people of different religions and faiths actually have more in common than we may realize.

One such area of agreement involves religious communities’ views on organ and tissue donation.

In fact, all major religions and faiths support organ donation as a compassionate act of charity, and many actively encourage their faith communities to help address the dire need for more registered organ and tissue donors.

Unfortunately, the myths that surround organ and tissue donation hinder many people of faith in their decision to register.

Some believe that action may violate their religious beliefs or may prevent a donor from having an open-casket funeral.

Still others, regardless of creed or religious identification, wrongly believe that emergency medical professionals make lifesaving decisions based on whether a patient is a donor.

The fact is these are myths, not truth.

More than 108,000 people nationwide are waiting for lifesaving organ transplants, including nearly 4,800 of our neighbors here in Illinois.

As people of faith, we share a responsibility to help.

Earlier this month, a diverse group of faith leaders joined Donate Life Illinois by recognizing National Donor Sabbath, a tribute to the families and individuals who have made the miraculous gift of life through organ and tissue donation.

We urge you to join us by discussing organ and tissue donation with your family, friends and community.

Father Carl LoPresti, Chenoa

Syed Gilani, Bloomington

Rabbi Paul M. Kaplan, Bloomington

The writers represent, respectively, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Chenoa; the Islamic Center of Bloomington-Normal, Bloomington, and Moses Montefiore Temple, Bloomington.