The Organ and Tissue Authority (OTA) welcomed the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Australia’s support for organ and tissue donation.

Ms Yael Cass, chief executive officer of the OTA, said that the authority is working closely with religious leaders in Australia to ensure that their communities can receive appropriate information about organ and tissue donation.

“The OTA has collaborated with religious leaders in Australia through the ‘DonateLife … the greatest gift’ campaign to gain understanding of their position on organ and tissue donation, and to forge partnerships,” said Ms Cass.

“The majority of religions allow and even encourage organ and tissue donation as the ultimate act of generosity, so we urge those who observe a faith to seek guidance from their religious leaders on this matter.”

Archbishop Stylianos, the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia, said: “The Greek Orthodox Church and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Australia support organ and tissue donation as a selfless act of giving.”

“Human life can be bettered through the humanitarian act of donation and transplantation while preserving the sanctity of life. We have the word of God as our guide and motto which says ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’ (Acts 20:35).”

Ms Cass said “I look forward to working closely with the Archdiocese, to inform priests across Australia about organ and tissue donation so that they can help guide their community on this issue”.

While one organ and tissue donor can transform the lives of ten or more people, less than one per cent of all deaths in hospital are in the specific circumstances where organ donation is possible. At any one time, 1,500 Australians are on official transplant waiting lists.

Families need to discuss and know each other’s decisions because in Australia the family of every potential donor is always asked to support the donation decision of the deceased before organ and tissue donation can proceed.

Staff in hospitals will assist families of potential organ donors to contact a spiritual advisor if requested and will help accommodate end of life practices related to the donor’s religion or culture.

For more information visit www.donatelife.gov.au

Information is available in a number of languages, as well as statements from several religions about their position on organ and tissue donation and transplantation.