Clarifying the Enduring Resolution on Human Dignity

At the 2020 (held in 2021) ACGC Triennial Convention, the delegate body passed the Enduring Resolution on Human Dignity, the full text of which can be seen here and found below.

Some time after its passage, Karen Hall raised a concern that the resolution inadequately expressed concern for the life of the mother in these situations. After she appealed to the Executive Council on two occasions, Karen and I (as one of the original authors of the proposal) put our heads together to consider a clarification that might be introduced that would preserve the original intent while addressing this concern. I want to commend Karen for her grace and patience (that she appealed twice before I reached out), as well as for her generosity in our work together to develop a satisfactory solution.

The proposed clarification will be considered at the 2026 Triennial and would be inserted following the line which reads, “Be it further resolved that we affirm that the intentional abortion of a child is a form of murder (Exodus 21:22-25)”. The clarification reads as follows:

Be it further resolved that both the life of the mother and the life of her unborn child are of equal moral worth; that every reasonable effort should be made to preserve both lives throughout the course of pregnancy; that it is good for medical action to be taken to preserve at least one life when efforts to preserve both have been exhausted; and that medical interventions which foresee but do not intend the death of either person are morally permissible.

I completely support this clarification and believe it significantly improves the substance of the resolution. It has been approved by the Executive Council to come before the Triennial body this August; I encourage all of our delegates to vote in favor of this amendment. As aforementioned, you will find the current text below.

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Human Dignity (2008-21)

Whereas our denomination adopted resolutions at the 1974 and 1996 General Conference meetings regarding abortion; and

Whereas these resolutions have insufficiently recognized the full measure of dignity belonging to all human beings

Be it, therefore resolved that this delegate body affirms that all human beings are made in the image of God and thereby possess unassailable dignity and worth according to the design of their Creator, irrespective of their race, gender, abilities, age, social class, or the circumstances of their conception;

Be it further resolved that we affirm that human life begins at conception as confirmed by biblical revelation (Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139) and natural revelation (the creation of unique DNA
upon fertilization);

Be it further resolved that we affirm that the intentional abortion of a child is a form of murder (Exodus 21:22-25);

Be it further resolved that we affirm the dignity and worth of fathers, mothers, and medical professionals who have aborted children and that through faith in Jesus, their sins can be
forgiven;

Be it further resolved that we recognize any actions or attitudes of malicious discrimination on the basis of race, biological gender, abilities, age, or social class to be unjust and sinful;

Be it further resolved that we affirm the necessity for our churches to seek just and fair treatment of all people, seeking the ministry of reconciliation through the Gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:16-21);

Be it further resolved that we mourn the loss of any human life, especially under murderous circumstances, and that we mourn all suffering caused by unjust discrimination;

Be it further resolved that we affirm our commitment to love and care for people in spiritual and physical need in our communities;

Be it further resolved that this resolution supersedes all previous resolutions regarding the dignity and sanctity of human life.