Affirms
No prohibition; standard medical care is accepted
The ICOC has no prohibition on blood transfusions or any standard medical care. The Acts 15 dietary restriction on blood is not interpreted as applying to medical transfusions, and no ICOC teaching connects abstinence from blood to medical procedures. The ICOC explicitly distinguishes itself from Jehovah's Witnesses on this point.
Members are encouraged to care for their physical health and to make full use of available medical resources. There is no teaching that faith requires refusing medical treatment.
Key Distinctions
- Official position:
- permitted — no religious prohibition on blood transfusions
- Scriptural basis:
- Acts 15:29 understood as dietary rule, not medical; love of neighbour supports medical care
Scripture References
Sources
- ICOC Statement of Belief