Social and Bioethical Questions
About us
You might feel, as many people do, that society is changing faster than ethics can keep up. This is particularly so in respect of scientific discoveries and technological achievements. Often, our members of the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ), and other people, too, look for guidance from our church’s leaders on contemporary social and bioethical questions. These questions may relate to First Nation voices, refugees, family and domestic violence, euthanasia, abortion, gender identity, poverty, terrorism, and caring for God’s creation.
Christian Ethical Decision-Making
With direction from the College of Bishops, the Commission on Social and Bioethical Questions (CSBQ) oversees this important area of our church's work. CSBQ works closely with the Assistant to the Bishop (Public Theology) and the Australian Lutheran College (ALC).
The CSBQ considers the questions carefully from a Lutheran ethical perspective and prepares responses for the College of Bishops to consider. These responses may inform LCANZ policy (eg Synod resolutions), training programs, study materials, congregational guidelines, and submissions to appropriate bodies, such as parliamentary select committees.
Working Groups
Four working groups report to CSBQ: Lutherans for Life, Lutheran Earth Care, Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, and Lutheran Refugee Action Group. For details, hover on the images. Three of the four working groups have their own websites, where you will find resources for personal and congregational use.
We regularly add new resources to this webpage and to our Working Group websites (click on the images above). Whenever we release a new resource, we'll let you know via LCA eNews. Sign up by clicking the button below and following the links.
Please contact us if you have questions or are seeking advice. We'd love to hear from you!
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