The Salvation Army
Church of the Nazarene
Affirms

No prohibition; divine healing affirmed but medical care not forbidden

The AG does not prohibit blood transfusions. Unlike Jehovah's Witnesses, the AG does not interpret Acts 15 or Leviticus 17 as establishing a prohibition on the medical use of blood. While the AG strongly believes in divine healing through prayer and the laying on of hands (one of its 'fundamental truths'), it does not teach that seeking medical care is a lack of faith or sinful.

AG teaching on divine healing affirms that God can and does heal miraculously in response to faith and prayer. This conviction motivates regular prayer for the sick in AG worship services. However, the denomination does not forbid members from using medicine or medical procedures. The two are often seen as complementary — praying for healing while also receiving medical treatment is consistent with AG practice.

There is no official AG position paper restricting blood transfusions, and members who receive them are not subject to church discipline. Individual AG members and ministers may personally hold strong views about natural healing, but these are personal convictions, not denominational doctrine.

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

  • Assemblies of God Statement of Fundamental Truths (1916)