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.
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 considers the questions carefully from a Lutheran ethical perspective and prepares responses for the College of Bishops to consider. These responses may inform LCA/NZ policy (e.g. Synod Resolutions), training programs, study materials, congregational guidelines, and submissions to appropriate bodies, such as parliamentary select committees.
CSBQ works closely with the Assistant to the Bishop (Public Theology) and the Australian Lutheran College (ALC). CSBQ currently has the following working groups reporting to it:
- Lutherans for Life
- Lutheran Earth Care Australia and New Zealand (LECANZ)
- Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence
Hidden Hurts Healing Hearts
The Campaign for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, called Hidden Hurts Healing Hearts, is a project of the Lutheran Church of Australia. It is overseen by a working group of people who have knowledge and expertise in the areas of support to victims and perpetrators of domestic and family violence.
The coordinator of the campaign is Ian Rentsch. Contact Ian for information about:
- support for victim-survivors
- awareness-raising for your congregation or community
- training opportunities
- speakers.
CSBQ Library
The CSBQ also has an educational role in the LCA by way of assisting church members to understand and respond appropriately to social and bioethical issues themselves. It does this by preparing resources, discussion papers and statements. Previously prepared material can be viewed or downloaded at our library. Click on the accordion tabs below.
