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News/Readings More on Our Faith... The Church and Social Problems News/Readings More on Our Faith... The Church and Social Problems 
| The Church's Teachings on Social Problems |
Page 1 of 2 From The Orthodox Church A to Z by Fr. George Grube, Pages 119-125) Abortion - The Orthodox Church is unyielding in her opposition to abortion. At no time may Orthodox Christians secure an abortion, assist another in obtaining one, or support causes which promote abortion as a right of the parents, and as the natural consequences of a woman's desire to control her own body. Orthodox Christians may never destroy human life in any form. Orthodox bishops have often restated the Church's stance against abortion by saying that it is an act of murder for which those involved, voluntarily, will answer to Almighty God. However, the bishops show true compassion for those confronted with tragic circumstances where the lives of mothers and their unborn children are threatened and where painful decisions of life and death have to be made, such as those involving rape, incest, and sickness. Yet, the bishops are adamant that those considering abortion must resist this evil act. Adoption, rather than abortion, is the answer to unwanted pregnancy and those who secure an abortion must sincerely repent of the decision, in order to gain the assurance of God's mercy. Orthodox Christians are urged to become politically involved so that proper laws may be enacted to protect the lives of unborn children while being sensitive to the complexities of life in contemporary society. Suicide - is condemned by the Church as the ultimate breakdown of hope in God's Providence. Those in good mental health want to live according to God's plan for us. We trust in God to care for us in good times and in bad. To take one's life is to show contempt for God, as a Father, who cares for us with an infinite love. We, as Christians, should know our faith by believing that even personal suffering has a place in our life, and that we must accept adversities for our spiritual benefit. (Note: Usually the Church refuses a burial, memorial service or funeral service under her auspices to one who has committed suicide. However, the Second Canon of the Trullan Council says that the priest should discover the aberrant mental condition of the person who commits suicide, and with the testimony of qualified personnel, a Church burial is allowed - if the person is found to be mentally deranged at the time of the suicide.) Homosexuality - is forbidden by the Church as contrary to moral law. Certain Scriptural texts proscribe carnal relations between members of the same sex. Regardless, we must never withhold our love for those who struggle with this condition. If homosexual Orthodox faithful are struggling with their situation, and have a firm determination to avoid carnal relations, they may receive Holy Communion, predicated upon personal repentance and a desire for spiritual growth. In relation to this topic the Orthodox bishops, at every opportunity, defend marriage against continued attack and ridicule. Recently, a Synod of Orthodox bishops, in a pastoral letter, noted: Sexual intercourse is to be protected as a sacred expression of love within the community of heterosexual, monogamous marriage for which God has given it to human beings for their sanctification. Sexual love is to be chaste and pure, devoid of lewdness, lechery, violence or self-gratification. Extramarital Sex - is also condemned by the Church. Sex is a true gift from God, but a gift to be used only within marriage. Any sexual intercourse outside marriage is condemned as sinful, even if the couple has a firm intent of someday getting married (Exodus 20:14, St. Matthew 5:28, Galatians 5:19, 2 Peter 2:14). Again, it must be stated that Christians are called upon to exhibit compassion and sensitivity in such matters. To condemn outright, without helping individuals reform themselves, is to write off sinners as lost, clearly contrary to the example of Christ who would not condemnd the woman caught in adultery, yet reminded her of her sin (St. John 8:11). Birth Control/Contraception - Different opinions exist within the Orthodox Church regarding the question of birth control and contraception. While in the past years there was a condemnation of anything which diminished the natural order within marriage, today the question of birth control is left largely to the consciences of the husband and wife who alone determine how many children they can responsibly bring into the world. Of course, couples confused in this matter, or unable to make an informed decision, are advised to consult their priest for guidance on what the Church advises regarding the issues of parenthood and family. Artificial Insemination - The procreation of children is not to be detached from the marital union. Married couples may use medical means to enhance conception of their common children but the use of semen or ova, other than that of the married couple who take responsibility for the offspring, is expressly forbidden to Orthodox faithful. Divorce - Divorce is permitted within the Orthodox Church and remarriage may be allowed for serious reasons. Certainly the Church upholds the sanctity and indissolubility of the marriage bond, however she is compassionate as regards situations where two people can no longer live peacefully or provide children with a healthy and nurturing home life. The Church bases her teaching on the words of Christ in St. Matthew 19:9 where our Lord says: "Whoever divorces his wife, except for fornication, and marries another commits adultery." So the Church offers those who are suffering in a bad marriage a second chance rather than insisting that a marriage exists, when it does not! In theory, the Church permits divorce for adultery, but in practice grants divorce and permits remarriage for anything which seriously adulterates a marriage. Some Orthodox jurisdictions require an ecclesiastical divorce. Check with your priest. The Family's Welfare - Orthodox teaching states that single parent families which exist due to death, divorce, or desertion are to be supported and honored. Abuse in the family and society in general is strongly condemned. Any form of physical, psychological, spiritual and emotional abuse of men, women and children is not allowed under any circumstance. Abuse of subordinates by those in positions of authority is also censured while the abuse of those in supervisory roles by peers and subordinates is similarly condemned. Unjust criticism, uninformed judgements, ungrounded accusations, careless talk, malicious gossip, disrespect, disdain and outright insubordination of peers and/or those in authority is strictly forbidden in Orthodoxy. Cremation - Because of the Church's reverance for the human body as a Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), the Orthodox Church prohibits cremation of her members. Autopsy - When the causes of one's death have not been determined accurately, then doctors, with permission of one's relatives, may perform an autopsy. Often the results of an autopsy are very beneficial. The Orthodox Church does not encourage the unnecessary autopsy of the dead, and a body should not be given over merely for medical research or experimentation. Also, a routine autopsy should not be performed. It should be done only if required by civil law. Orthodox Christians believe the human body is a repository of the Holy Spirit and insists that those who are responsible for the autopsy should accord the utmost respect for the remains of the deceased. Circumcision - Jesus was circumcised in accordance with the Jewish Law. Some physicians believe circumcision is necessary for proper health and hygiene. The Orthodox Church does not prohibit circumcision as long as it is not mandated for strictly religious reasons, or as a cultic ritual. Scriptural reference: St. Luke 2:21 |
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