Community

Connection Series

Community Connection: Interreligious Dialogues on Organ Donation and Transplantation is a cost-free Conversation Series produced in partnership with The Alliance, AMAT and AOPO, which explores critical aspects of death and dying, as well as organ donation and transplantation through the lens of various faiths.

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Brian Carwana
Brian Carwana
Encounter World Religions Centre
Imam Johari Abdul Malik
Imam Johari Abdul Malik
Council on American-Islamic Relations
AJ Gardener
AJ Gardener
National Kidney Foundation
SHAMA MEHTA
Shama Mehta
D.Min, BCCUniversity of Michigan Medical Center
Joshua Rabin
Rabbi Joshua Rabin
LiveOnNY
Jaime Riggs
Chaplain Jaime Riggs
MdivBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
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Savleen Singh
Sikh Coalition

We extend our sincere gratitude to LiveOn NY for sharing invaluable resources that enhance our understanding of the unique perspectives across different religious communities. By educating our communities, we aim to encourage more individuals to embrace donation and offer the life-saving gift to those in urgent need.

Brendan Parent Crop
Brendan Parent
JDNYU Langone Health
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Brian Childs
MDiv, PhD, HEC-CMercer School of Medicine
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Chaplain Katelynn Dalton
New England Donor Services
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Fr. Shnork Souin
Patrick Wells O’Brien
Patrick Wells-O’Brien
Gift of Life Michigan

We extend our sincere gratitude to LiveOn NY for sharing invaluable resources that enhance our understanding of the unique perspectives across different religious communities. By educating our communities, we aim to encourage more individuals to embrace donation and offer the life-saving gift to those in urgent need.

Matthew Kirschen
Matthew Kirschen
MD, PhDUniversity of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Shlomo Brody
Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Brody
Ematai
Joshua Rabin
Rabbi Joshua Rabin
LiveOnNY
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Rabbi Efraim Simon

We extend our sincere gratitude to LiveOn NY for sharing invaluable resources that enhance our understanding of the unique perspectives across different religious communities. By educating our communities, we aim to encourage more individuals to embrace donation and offer the life-saving gift to those in urgent need.

Denise Peoples
Denise Peoples
NJ Sharing Network
Mia Hamm
Mia Hamm
Infinite Legacy
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Imam Hossam Musa
Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati
Aisha Ghori Ozaki
Aisha Ozaki
Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network
Hamdard Healthcare 0041 (3) (1)
Kiran Siddiqui
Hamdard Health Alliance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Many thanks to Imam Mousa for sharing this invaluable resource, offering the professional community a meaningful way to engage with the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA). This link provides critical guidance and insight that supports culturally competent and informed care, especially when navigating religious considerations with Muslim patients and families.

We extend our sincere gratitude to LiveOn NY for sharing invaluable resources that enhance our understanding of the unique perspectives across different religious communities. By educating our communities, we aim to encourage more individuals to embrace donation and offer the life-saving gift to those in urgent need.

Manuel Calderon
Manuel Calderon
M.Ed.LifeGift
Brian Carwana
Brian Carwana
Encounter World Religions Centre
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Brian Childs
MDiv, PhD, HEC-CMercer School of Medicine
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Robert Coppel
Coppel Consulting, LLC

A sincere thanks to Manuel Calderon, moderator for this session, for sharing this collection of medical information packages specific to the Jehovah’s Witness community. These resources are designed to help clinicians and care teams better understand how to support Jehovah’s Witness patients in medical settings through informed, respectful, and patient-centered care.

Many thanks to Robert Coppel for sharing this OPO Quick Reference Guide on supporting Jehovah’s Witness families. The guide outlines core principles, key beliefs, and practical considerations to help professionals engage respectfully and effectively in clinical and care-planning contexts.

We are grateful to Brian Carwana for sharing this one-page resource from Hospital Liaison Committees for Jehovah’s Witnesses. It assists medical professionals in navigating the nuances of Jehovah’s Witness perspectives on medical care, supporting informed, collaborative decision-making. Additionally, we encourage you to utilize the Hospital Liaison Committee Hotline for any additional questions: (718) 560-4300

Additional thanks to Brian Carwana for this comprehensive overview of Jehovah’s Witness religious and ethical positions related to medical therapy. The resource addresses topics such as blood fractions, transplantation, euthanasia, and related matters, offering valuable clarity for clinicians and care teams working with this community.

Bridging Faiths: Interreligious Dialogues on Organ Donation and Transplantation

On July 30, 2024, we were honored to host a diverse panel of esteemed faith leaders, representing major religions practiced nationwide, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. Together, we explored the foundational beliefs surrounding death, dying, and burial practices across these faith traditions. The discussion helped us navigate the intricate religious perspectives on organ, eye, and tissue donation, providing insights into common community concerns and fostering understanding across diverse religious landscapes.

Outreach & Education within the Christian Community

This webinar series is intended to provide a comprehensive exploration of cultural and religious perspectives on death, dying, and burial practices, shedding light on their significance in donation and transplantation. In this session, we will delve into sub-denominational considerations of the Christian community, offer practical guidance on engaging with this faith community, and discuss ethical considerations and family opposition sensitively. Through case studies and analysis of current events, we’ll equip professionals with the knowledge and tools needed for effective engagement and connection within diverse religious contexts.

Outreach & Education within the Jewish Community

This webinar series is intended to provide a comprehensive exploration of cultural and religious perspectives on death, dying, and burial practices, shedding light on their significance in donation and transplantation. In this session, we will delve into sub-denominational considerations of the Jewish community, offer practical guidance on engaging with this faith community, and discuss ethical considerations and family opposition sensitively. Through case studies and analysis of current events, we’ll equip professionals with the knowledge and tools needed for effective engagement and connection within diverse religious contexts.

Outreach & Education within the Muslim Community

This webinar series is intended to provide a comprehensive exploration of cultural and religious perspectives on death, dying, and burial practices, shedding light on their significance in donation and transplantation. In this session, we will delve into sub-denominational considerations of the Muslim community, offer practical guidance on engaging with this faith community, and discuss ethical considerations and family opposition sensitively. Through case studies and analysis of current events, we’ll equip professionals with the knowledge and tools needed for effective engagement and connection within diverse religious contexts.

Outreach & Education within the Jehovah’s Witness Community

This webinar series is intended to provide a comprehensive exploration of cultural and religious perspectives on death, dying, and burial practices, shedding light on their significance in donation and transplantation. In this session, we will delve into sub-denominational considerations of the Jehovah’s Witness community, offer practical guidance on engaging with this faith community, and discuss ethical considerations and family opposition sensitively. Through case studies and analysis of current events, we’ll equip professionals with the knowledge and tools needed for effective engagement and connection within diverse religious contexts.

Planning Committee

Manuel Calderon
Manuel Calderon
M.Ed.LifeGift
Megan Cantwell
Megan Cantwell
Association of Organ Procurement Organizations
Deanna Fenton
Deanna Fenton
Organ Donation and Transplantation Alliance
AJ Gardener
AJ Gardener
National Kidney Foundation
Audrey Holtzman
Audrey Holtzman
Network For Hope
Aisha Ghori Ozaki
Aisha Ozaki
Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network
Kai Sprando
Kai Sprando
Infinite Legacy

Lead, Share, Partner With Us

The Alliance is made up of teams of talented and passionate individuals who are actively committed to the exploration of critical topics, insights and best practices. Together we work to save and heal lives through a consistent and enduring investment in advancement and in each other. Please join our team of professionals and experts. We’re stronger and better together.