Faith Leaders Endorse Campaign for More Black and Asian Organ Donors

June 5, 2007

Source: Black Britain

http://www.blackbritain.co.uk/news/details.aspx?i=2456&c=Health&h=Faith+leaders+endorse+campaign+for+more+black+and+Asian+organ+donors

Faith leaders representing various religions and faiths practiced in the UK have joined forces to support a campaign to increase the number of organ donors from the black and Asian communities.

The new campaign called: Can We Count on You? is being supported by Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh leaders who acknowledge that very low numbers of black and Asian people are registered as organ donors. More black and Asian donors are needed to increase the number of life-saving transplants.

As part of the drive to raise awareness among black and Asian communities, leaflets and posters are being displayed in 4,116 mosques, temples, churches, community centres and pharmacies across the UK. It is hoped that involving faith leaders in the campaign will help allay concerns over organ donations based on religious beliefs.

The Council of African and Afro Caribbean Churches, a Christian coalition, is involved in the campaign. Its leader, Rev. Father Olu Abiola said that talking about organ donation among family and friends is responsible and thoughtful. He said : “Enabling life to be lived as fully as possible is consistent,” with the teachings of the Christian faith.