SHARING

THE GIFT 

OF LIFE

A Resource Guide for Faith Leaders on Organ 

and Tissue Donation and National Donor Sabbath.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Health Resources and Services Administration

August 2010
SHARING

THE GIFT 

OF LIFE

A Resource Guide for Faith Leaders on Organ 

and Tissue Donation and National Donor Sabbath.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Health Resources and Services Administration

“Green Forest by a River” copyright Olaru Radian-Alezandru, 2010. Used under license from Shutterstock.com.

“Rising Sun Above the Beautiful Chamomiles” copyright vhpfoto, 2010. Used under license from Shutterstock.com.

To order copies of this publication:

Order online at ask.hrsa.gov

E-mail your request to ask@hrsa.gov

Call in your request toll free: 1.888.275.4772 (1.888.ASK.HRSA)
2

Kelly Olmo

Liver Recipient

Pleasanton, CA

When Kelly Olmo was 2 years old, she became 

seriously ill and needed a life-saving liver transplant. 

Kelly’s Japanese-American mother Cathy explains, 

“It has been 21 years since Kelly received her gift of 

life through a perfect stranger ... a hero in our eyes. 

This family said ‘yes’ to donation when their own child 

died. They were able to look beyond their own grief 

and help someone else.”

According to Cathy, “It’s important to sign up 

to be a donor and discuss your wishes with 

your family. You never know whose life you 

might be saving—it might be another child 

like Kelly!”

Kelly’s story is courtesy of California 

Transplant Donor Network, Oakland, CA

Sharing the Gift of Life 

What do you tell the people who turn 

to you for advice?

Life—it is the greatest gift of all. And today, 

it is also a gift that can be shared. 

Through organ and tissue donation, people have 

the potential to reach out and do good in this 

world. They can save the lives of those who would 

die without help. They can give new hope to their 

families. They can transform and improve lives, 

by restoring sight, health, and wholeness.

It is one of the greatest opportunities today for 

those who seek to do good, pass along life, and 

help their fellow human beings.

Choosing to become an organ donor reflects 

one’s deepest beliefs about the sanctity and 

importance of life. Some find it an easy 

decision; others want to be assured they’re 

doing the right thing by their faith. And so 

they look to you for counsel. 

Members of your community may have already 

sought your advice as a faith leader for inspiration, 

guidance, and even approval in this decision. 

They may be unsure about how their faith views 

donation. Others may need your support and 

counsel in making the decision to donate the 

organs of a loved one who did not make a 

donation designation while alive. Others may 

enlist your help with spreading the word about 

sharing the gift of life. 

This guide was created to help you help others. 

Here, you can learn more about organ and tissue 

donation and National Donor Sabbath. You 

can learn about ways you can encourage 

and support your congregation to make 

informed donation decisions, and about groups 

you can call for help, such as organ procurement 

organizations (OPOs).

We hope you will participate in National 

Donor Sabbath to help your congregation 

make informed life decisions and possibly turn 

suffering into survival. 

What are OPOs? 

Non-profit organ procurement organizations 

(OPOs) are the vital link between donors 

and recipients. They coordinate organ 

donation activities including: evaluating 

potential donors, obtaining authorization for 

donation, interacting with a donor’s family 

members, and arranging for the donation 

process (recovering and transporting 

donated organs). They also conduct 

outreach efforts to encourage the public 

to register as donors (p. 6).

There are 58 federally designated OPOs, 

each serving a specific area of the United 

States. To identify your local OPO, check 

online at organdonor.gov.

3

National Donor Sabbath: 

A Special Opportunity to 

Make a Difference 

For more than 12 years, the weekend 

in November 2 weeks before Thanksgiving 

has held a special significance—it’s National 

Donor Sabbath.

National Donor Sabbath is a time when leaders 

of all major faiths and denominations are invited 

to join together with organ and tissue donation 

professionals and organizations and the U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services, 

Health Resources and Services Administration, 

to bring attention to the precious gift of donation.

During this 3-day weekend (Friday, Saturday 

and Sunday) you, as a faith leader, have a special 

opportunity to involve members of your own 

community and educate them about sharing the 

gift of life through organ donation. It’s a time 

when you can make a real difference for the more 

than 108,000 people waiting for transplants.*

In this guide, you’ll find information to help you 

participate, including, examples of how others 

have successfully incorporated the theme of 

donation into their services, an overview of 

many religions’ positions on donation, answers 

to frequently asked questions, and more. 

The Need Is Urgent

More than 108,000* men, women, and 

children in the United States are waiting for 

life-saving transplants. The help they need 

can come only from individuals who make 

the commitment to donate.

A single organ donor has the potential to save 

the lives of up to eight people. And through 

tissue donation, a donor can improve the 

lives of many more. 

Donors of all ages and ethnicities are 

needed—and the need is great. All that 

is lacking are enough donors willing to 

pass along the gift of life.

National Donor Sabbath will be observed 

on the following weekends in the next 

several years:

November 12–14, 2010

November 11–13, 2011

November 9–11, 2012

November 15–17, 2013

▼

Christina Janis

Cornea Recipient

Kyle, SD

Sharing is a way of life for Lakota 

communities and families and celebrates 

a deep spiritual link they have with 

one another. Because of the generosity 

of a cornea donor, things are much 

clearer for Christina Janis since her 

first cornea transplant in 2004. For 

many years, Christina’s vision was 

deteriorating from eye disease—even 

glasses could not help her see clearly. 

A donated cornea restored Christina’s 

sight. She had a second cornea transplant 

in 2005, and now enjoys being even more 

active in the outdoors. Christina says, 

“The giving of oneself is just the ultimate 

way of saying thank you for being created.”

Christina’s story is courtesy of South 

Dakota Lions Eye Bank, Sioux Falls, SD

▼

organdonor.gov

*As of July 2010

Call 1.866.99DONATE (993.6628) 

to learn how to register in your state.
4

Manuel Salazar

Tissue Recipient

Denver, CO

In just one instant, Manuel Salazar’s life was 

changed forever when a downed power line 

struck him and 115,000 volts of electricity 

were sent through his body. It was a miracle 

he survived. However, he lost both arms and 

legs as a result of burns. The Denver Center for 

Extremities at Risk used human bone from a donor 

to build Manuel a new shoulder that could be 

fitted with a prosthetic.

Today, because of the donated tissue and 

prosthetics, Manuel drives, skis, waterskis, and owns an auto body shop. “Now 

I am just thankful to be alive,” he says, 

“I want to try new things. I see life in 

a whole new way.”

Manuel’s story is courtesy of 

AlloSource, Centennial, CO

organdonor.gov

About National 

Donor Sabbath

Q: What is it? When is it?

A: National Donor Sabbath is a time for faith 

leaders of all denominations across America 

to alert their communities to the pressing need 

for organ and tissue donations to save lives. 

It takes place two weekends before Thanksgiving 

(Friday–Sunday, in order to include the day of 

worship for most major religions). The specific 

dates for the next several years are listed on 

page three of this brochure.

Q: Who supports it?

A: National Donor Sabbath is supported by the 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 

Health Resources and Services Administration, 

together with national, State, and local donation 

organizations, faith communities, health 

providers, community organizations, and 

concerned individuals. National Donor Sabbath 

is a nationwide observance and there is no cost 

to participate.

Q: Why is my participation important? 

A: Your participation is particularly important 

because people look to their faith leaders for 

guidance on serious decisions in their lives. 

Faith leaders of all religious denominations, 

along with other community leaders, can build 

awareness and help increase organ donation 

sign-up by participating in National Donor 

Sabbath and holding donor enrollment events 

throughout the year. 

Q: What can I do to participate?

A: Raise the subject of organ and tissue donation 

with your congregation and provide members 

with a clear statement about the position of 

your religion. Beyond that, there are a great 

many things you can do (some are outlined on 

the following pages) to help provide information 

and contribute to informed decision making.

Q: Where can I learn more?

A: The U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services provides more information about 

donation at organdonor.gov. This site will 

guide you to other information sources, such 

as Donate Life America (donatelife.net) 

and organ procurement organizations (OPOs), 

which can provide local assistance. Also, view 

the list of organizations and associations provided 

at the end of this guide. 

Q: Is there information specific to 

my religion?

A: A list of the known positions of some major 

religions in America is included in this booklet. 

If you are not already aware of how your 

particular religion views organ and tissue 

donation (both for living and deceased donors), 

we hope this guide will inspire you to find out and 

share the knowledge with members of your faith. 

5

How Can Faith Leaders 

Support Donation and 

National Donor Sabbath? 

Some individuals in your congregation may not 

know what your religion’s position is concerning 

donation, or they may simply not have considered 

the good they can do through donation. 

As a faith leader, you can help them find the 

answers. Knowing your religion’s position 

concerning donation should help members of 

your faith community make an informed decision 

about registering to be organ donors.

Here are some ways in which faith leaders can 

reach out to communities to invigorate participation 

in donation and educate their congregations about 

passing along the gift of life.

Provide a clear statement.

Please share your religion’s position on organ 

and tissue donation. Many people in your 

congregation or community would welcome 

having this information. (A number of faiths’ 

positions can be found on pages 7, 8, and 9 of 

this brochure.)

Share the need and urgency. 

Members of your congregation may be unaware 

of the great need for donors. You can educate 

them about their ability to enhance and save the 

lives of people waiting for transplants.

Hold a candle-lighting or other appropriate 

ceremony to honor those who have donated the gift 

of life, including both living and deceased donors.

Host a prayer breakfast or other appropriate 

event to recognize the men, women, and children 

in our country who are currently waiting for an 

organ or tissue donation.

Offer support to patients waiting for a 

transplant. Encourage members of your 

congregation to do so as well. Find out the 

best ways you can help—from visiting, to 

transportation, to assistance for their families.

Address the subject in sermons, prayers, and 

homilies. On National Donor Sabbath, and at

other times during the year, many faith leaders 

include the subject of donation in their sermons 

and prayers. The concept of giving to others—

even after one’s own life has come to a close—is 

a compelling and memorable theme. Your local 

organ procurement organization (OPO) is an 

excellent resource for relevant religious 

references and materials.

Share information within your community. 

In your congregation, there may be someone who 

needs a transplant, someone who is a living donor, 

a family whose loved one was a donor, or someone 

who has received a transplant. Invite them to share 

their stories during services. Or, with permission, you 

might share their stories with your congregation. 

Their courage would be an inspiring message.

Acknowledge donation at funeral services.

When you know the deceased was an organ donor, 

it’s inspiring to pass along the good this person 

has done. Ask the family. Your mention of this 

generous gift and selfless act would be invaluable 

if even one other life is saved.

Utilize mailings, bulletins, Web sites, and 

newsletters. Place stories, quotes, and notices 

about donation and National Donor Sabbath in 

your mailings or newsletter. Referencing an organ 

or tissue donor or transplant recipient in your 

own community adds special significance. Contact 

your local OPO for articles and stories.

Share in faith education classes and study 

groups. Education and study groups are excellent 

places to share the importance of organ and 

tissue donation—what it can mean to the donor’s 

family as well as to recipients and their families. 

If your faith community is affiliated with a school, 

consider including donation education in classes 

such as health, life sciences, or social studies.

Ask your faith community for volunteers.

You don’t have to do it all yourself. You may 

achieve great success by asking a member of your 

faith community to lead this effort. Someone may 

have a personal connection to donation and may 

want to help observe National Donor Sabbath 

and increase awareness about donation in any 

way possible.

▼

Call 1.866.99DONATE (993.6628) 

to learn how to register in your state.
6

Anne Laumer

Organ Donor

Vadnais Heights, MN

Shortly after her 32nd wedding anniversary, 

53-year-old Anne Laumer collapsed from a brain 

aneurysm. As her family waited in the hospital, 

they overheard another family decide to donate the 

organs of their child who had died. Anne’s family 

made the same decision, to realize some good 

from their tragedy.

Anne’s kidneys, liver, heart and eyes helped 

people to lead better lives. Countless others 

will benefit from research enabled by her other 

donated organs. A year later, Anne’s widower 

Ronald met Ruth Lovegren, who had also donated 

her spouse’s organs and eyes. Ronald 

and Ruth, now married, volunteer on 

behalf of the Donate Life mission.

Anne’s story is courtesy of 

LifeSource, Minneapolis, MN

Resources and Expert 

Assistance are Available 

Year-Round

Raising the subject of donation is important 

at any time during the year. Your local organ 

procurement organization (OPO), Donate Life 

America chapter, and the Health Resources 

and Services Administration, Healthcare 

Systems Bureau, Division of Transplantation, 

are excellent resources for appropriate support 

and materials. Here are a few of the ways they 

can help:

Arrange workshops: Your local OPO will 

be able to provide information or set up a 

program for faith community members and 

their families to discuss this sensitive subject.

Organize donor drives: Your local OPO 

can help your faith community organize 

a donor drive that makes it easy for members 

and others to learn the facts, sign up to 

become donors, and share their decision 

with their families.

Provide information and brochures: 

Your local OPO has brochures and additional 

information about donation. (Others are 

available at organdonor.gov.) These printed 

pieces can be enclosed in bulletins, mailed 

to your congregation, or simply be available 

in a convenient place for members to pick up.

Provide films for screenings: 

Two videos are available at no charge from 

the Division of Transplantation by calling 

1.888.ASK.HRSA (275.4772): 

“A Science of Miracles” and the EMMYTM

award-winning film “No Greater Love.” 

Others may be available from your local 

OPO or other donation organizations.

Donation Services Are 

Helpful at Any Time.

While National Donor Sabbath is observed

in November, any time is a good time to

hold a donation service or sermon. Feel free 

to contact your local organ procurement

organization for assistance and support

throughout the year.

Web site links, notices and information 

about organ and tissue donation for your 

Web site can be found at organdonor.gov.

The Positions of Some 

Religious Denominations

Most major religions practiced in the United States 

have stated positions on the subject of organ 

and tissue donation for their congregants. There is 

general agreement among these religions, listed in 

alphabetical order, that this type of donation is an 

act of charity in support of human life. 

For a more complete list and more detailed 

information, visit organdonor.gov.

AME and AME ZION 

(African Methodist Episcopal)

Organ and tissue donation is viewed as an act 

of neighborly love and charity, and members are 

encouraged to support donation to help others.

ASSEMBLY OF GOD

Donation is supported though no official 

policy has been stated. The decision 

is left up to the individual.

BUDDHISM

Buddhists believe organ and tissue donation 

is a matter that should be left to an individual’s 

conscience. Reverend Gyomay Masao, president 

and founder of the Buddhist Temple of Chicago, 

said, “We honor those people who donate their 

bodies and organs to the advancement of medical 

science and to saving lives.” The importance of 

letting loved ones know your wishes is stressed.

CATHOLICISM

Organ and tissue donation is considered an act 

of charity and love, and transplants are morally 

and ethically acceptable to the Vatican.

▼

Call 1.866.99DONATE (993.6628) 

to learn how to register in your state. 7 organdonor.gov
9

Call 1.866.99DONATE (993.6628) 

8 organdonor.gov to learn how to register in your state.

EPISCOPAL

The 70th General Convention of the Episcopal 

Church recommends and urges “all members of 

this Church to consider seriously the opportunity 

to donate organs after death that others may live, 

and that such decision be clearly stated to family, 

friends, church and attorney.”

GREEK ORTHODOX

The Greek Orthodox Church supports donation 

as a way to better human life in the form of 

transplantation, or research that will lead to 

improvements in the prevention of disease.

ISLAM

Based on the principles and the foregoing 

attributes of a Muslim, the majority of 

Islamic legal scholars have concluded that 

transplantation of organs as treatment for 

otherwise lethal end-stage organ failure 

is a good thing. Donation by living and 

deceased donors is not only permitted but 

encouraged. Muslim scholars of the most 

prestigious academies are unanimous in 

declaring that organ donation is an act 

of merit and in certain circumstances can 

be an obligation.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESS

Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe that the Bible 

comments directly on organ transplants; hence: 

decisions made regarding cornea, kidney, and 

other tissue and organ transplants must be made 

by the individual. The same is true regarding 

bone transplants. Jehovah’s Witnesses are often 

assumed to be opposed to donation because 

of their belief against blood transfusion. 

However, this merely means that all blood must 

be removed from the organs and tissues before 

being transplanted.

JUDAISM

In principal Judaism sanctions and encourages 

organ donation in order to save lives. Rabbi 

Elliott N. Dorff wrote that saving a life through 

organ donation supercedes the rules concerning 

treatment of a dead body. Transplantation 

does not desecrate a body or show lack of 

respect for the dead, and any delay in burial 

to facilitate organ donation is respectful of 

the decedent. Organ donation saves lives and 

honors the deceased.

The Conservative Movement’s Committee on 

Jewish Laws and Standards has stated that 

organ donations after death represent not only 

an act of kindness, but are also a “commanded 

obligation” which saves human lives. 

LUTHERAN CHURCH

The Lutheran Church passed a resolution in 1984 

stating that donation contributes to the wellbeing of humanity and can be “an expression 

of sacrificial love for a neighbor in need.” They 

call on “members to consider donating and to 

make any necessary family legal arrangements, 

including the use of a signed donor card.”

MORMON

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 

Saints believes the decision to donate is an 

individual one to be made in conjunction with 

family, medical personnel, and prayer. The 

Church does not oppose donation.

PENTECOSTAL

Pentecostals believe the decision to donate 

should be left to the individual.

PRESBYTERIAN

Presbyterians encourage and endorse donation. 

It is an individual’s right to make decisions 

regarding his or her own body. The resolution 

states, “the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 

recognizes the life-giving benefits of organ 

and tissue donation, and thereby encourages all 

Christians to become organ and tissue donors 

as a part of their ministry to others... .”

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST

The Seventh-day Adventist Church does not 

have an official statement on organ donation; 

however, donation and transplantation are 

strongly encouraged. In fact, there are numerous 

Seventh-day Adventist transplant hospitals.

SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has 

no official position on organ donation. “Such 

decisions are a matter of personal conscience,” 

writes Dr. Steve Lemke, provost of the New 

Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and 

fellow of the Research Institute of The Ethics 

and Religious Liberty Commission.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

Organ and tissue donation is widely supported 

by Unitarian Universalists. They view it as an 

act of love and selfless giving, according to the 

Unitarian Universalist Association.

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

“United Church of Christ people, churches, 

and agencies are extremely and overwhelmingly 

supportive of organ sharing,” writes Rev. Jay 

Litner, Director, Washington office of the United 

Church of Christ Office for Church in Society.

UNITED METHODIST

“The United Methodist Church recognizes 

the life-giving benefits of organ and tissue donation 

and thereby encourages all Christians to become 

organ and tissue donors,” reports a church policy 

statement. In a 2000 resolution the Church 

also “encourages its congregations to join in the 

interfaith celebration of National Donor Sabbath ... 

another way that United Methodists can help 

save lives.” 

(With permission from the United Network for Organ Sharing, this information was sourced from their publication: “An Organ Donation Guide for 

Faith Leaders and Health Care Professionals,” 2008. For a more complete list of various religions’ positions, you can also check organdonor.gov.)
10

Aliyah Boatwright

Heart/Coronary Arteries Recipient

Edison, NJ

When Aliyah Boatwright was just a toddler, doctors 

discovered that her heart was severely damaged 

and she received her first transplant. Six years later, 

Aliyah’s coronary arteries began to deteriorate, 

and she underwent another successful transplant.

In 2004, Aliyah’s mother LaNaye began suffering 

problems similar to her daughter’s. She also 

received a new heart through the generosity 

of a donor. Throughout it all, Aliyah has 

demonstrated an amazing spirit. Knowing 

what it is like to have another chance at 

life, she gives her mom advice and watches 

over her.

Aliyah’s story is courtesy of New Jersey

Sharing Network, New Providence, NJ

What You Need to Know 

About Donation

This basic information answers some of 

the most common questions people have 

about organ and tissue donation. If you’d 

like additional information to pass along to 

your congregation, feel free to contact your 

local organ procurement organization or 

organdonor.gov.

How to become an organ and/or tissue donor:

Enroll in your State’s donor registry. Visit 

organdonor.gov or call 1.866.99DONATE

(993.6628) to learn how to register in your State.

Designate your decision on your driver’s license. 

Tell your family and friends—make sure that 

your family knows your wishes so they can support 

your decision. 

What can be donated:

Deceased donors can donate multiple organs 

and tissues.

Organs: heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, 

liver, and small intestine. 

Tissues: corneas, bone, heart valves, 

connective tissue, skin, and other tissues. 

A kidney, and a lobe of a liver or lung, blood, 

marrow, peripheral blood stem cells, and umbilical 

cord blood can be donated by living donors.

Your quality of medical care is the same, 

whether or not you are a donor:

Signing up as a donor does not affect the 

quality of medical care you receive in a hospital. 

The medical team that treats you as a patient is 

dedicated entirely to saving your life. A separate 

transplant team is called in once death has been 

declared or is imminent and this team recovers 

donated organs.

Traditional funeral arrangements are 

not affected by donation (but could be 

slightly delayed):

Donation does not interfere with traditional 

funeral arrangements, including open 

casket services.

There is no cost to donate:

The donor’s family does not pay for the cost 

of organ and tissue donation. Costs are covered 

by the recipient, the recipient’s insurance 

company, Medicare, or Medicaid.

There is no age limit to donation:

People of any age, from infants to people in 

their 60s, 70s, and beyond, have been organ 

donors. The condition of your organs is 

more important than your age. Even some 

people with chronic conditions can donate. 

That is why it is so important for people of 

any age or health condition to sign up.

11

Sources for More Information

American Association 

of Blood Banks

301.907.6977

aabb.org

American Association 

of Tissue Banks

703.827.9582

aatb.org

America’s 

Blood Centers

888.USBLOOD 

americasblood.org

American Red Cross 

(including 

regional centers)

800.448.3543

redcross.org

Arbor Research 

Collaborative 

for Health

800.830.9664

arborresearch.org

Association of 

Organ Procurement 

Organizations 

703.556.4242

aopo.org

Donate Life America

804.782.4920

donatelife.net

Eye Bank 

Association 

of America

202.775.4999

restoresight.org

National Kidney 

Foundation

800.622.9010

kidney.org

National Marrow 

Donor Program

800.MARROW2

marrow.org

Organ Procurement and 

Transplantation Network

optn.transplant.hrsa.gov

United Blood Services

480.946.4201 

unitedbloodservices.org

United Network for 

Organ Sharing

804.782.4800

unos.org

U.S. Department of 

Health and Human 

Services, Health 

Resources and Services 

Administration, 

Healthcare Systems 

Bureau, Division 

of Transplantation

301.443.7577

organdonor.gov

Please Participate in 

National Donor Sabbath

And help your congregation share the gift of life. 

It is natural for individuals and families to turn to their 

faith leaders, as well as medical professionals, when 

considering the serious subject of organ and tissue 

donation. Your knowledge about the facts of donation 

and transplants, combined with an understanding of 

the beliefs of your faith, will enable you to serve your 

congregation and your community with confidence. 

The subject of donation is filled with compassion, 

courage, and charity. These virtues are of central 

significance to every religion. This makes it a highly 

appropriate message to bring to the attention of your 

faith community. 

You can play a part in clearing away myths and 

misconceptions, help members of your faith 

make informed life decisions, and turn suffering 

into survival. That is what you are invited to do 

by promoting donation during National Donor 

Sabbath and all year-round. 

▼

This publication lists non-federal resources in order to provide additional information to consumers. The views and content in these resources have not been 

formally approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Listing these resources is not an endorsement by HHS or its components.

Call 1.866.99DONATE (993.6628) organdonor.gov to learn how to register in your state.
organdonor.gov 12

NOTES:
1.866.99DONATE (1.866.993.6628)

organdonor.gov