PMA Resolution on Immunization

The Pastoral Medical Association finds that increased inquiry regarding immunization (predominantly childhood immunization) necessitates an immediate Resolution from this ecclesiastical jurisdiction establishing our position in this matter. The following represents the most frequently asked questions;

• Does the PMA believe that vaccines are responsible for neurological disorders such as Autism?
•  As an Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, does the PMA support conventional immunization?
•  Do Homeopathic preparations fall into the same category as conventional immunization?

Of the inquiries received regarding this topic; the most frequent are directed at learning more about the safety and efficacy of conventional immunization. In this regard it is important to note that the PMA is unable to comment on scientific issues surrounding immunization for several reasons. The most obvious is simply that as an ecclesiastical entity, the PMA is responsible to view such questions from a scriptural viewpoint, not from a scientific one. Any practice that is supported or endorsed by ecclesiastics must first meet the test of scriptural conformity.

While the PMA is empathic with individuals seeking answers as to the safety or efficacy of conventional immunization, for the aforementioned reasons this ecclesiastical jurisdiction must necessarily defer these questions to our scientific counterparts.

Therefore; the following represents the PMA response to these frequently asked questions and reduces this matter to a Resolution;

• In regard to whether immunization is related to neurological disorders; the PMA hereby resolves that we shall take no position on this matter and will leave that discourse to the scientific community. 
  
  
•  In regard to whether the PMA; as an ecclesiastical jurisdiction supports immunization; We find that modern, conventionally prepared immunizations do not conform to scriptural rules for hygiene. The PMA therefore resolves that this jurisdiction is unable to support the application of conventional immunizations.
  
  
•  In regard to Homeopathic preparations; these substances do not fall into the same category as conventional immunizations and in reviewing scripture; we also find an absence of evidence that homeopathic substances, prepared according to the Organon of Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, are not in conformity with scripture.  Therefore; the PMA resolves that homeopathic preparations are scripturally valid, and as such shall remain as approved substances in the PMA Formulary.
  

Be in therefore Resolved that the Pastoral Medical Association
does not support routine conventional immunization as scripturally valid

The PMA encourages each individual to seek informed professional advice, considering both the scientific as well as the scriptural in all health matters affecting themselves or their families. We believe and support the God given right of every individual to choose or refuse conventional ideas that conflict with their sincerely held religious beliefs, as so ordained in the
Supreme Law of the Creator.

 This shall be the PMA position in toto

Effect of this Resolution on the PMA Constitution: We find that this Resolution is not in conflict with the PMA constitution and does not require action for adoption other than this Resolution approved by a majority vote of the Regulatory Board and approval by the President and Chancellor as Protectors of the PMA Constitution.

Effect on Members and Communicants: In accordance with the PMA Constitution; Article 2, Sec. 1. (d); and Sec. 3. (b): commissioned and Licensed practitioners as well as Communicants are not negatively affected by this Resolution. No member or visitor is required to believe, change belief or act in any manner not in keeping with his or her own sincerely held belief. This right to freedom of belief is absolute with limited exception in the PMA Constitution. Practitioners may advise Communicants on the practitioner’s own personal belief in regard to conventional immunizations, and in no event shall such practitioner be sanctioned by this jurisdiction for sharing their sincerely held belief. In all events however; when such questions arise, PMA commissioned and licensed practitioners shall be required in all cases to advise the PMA position on this matter and to further apprise every individual of the PMA Choice in Immunization Program.  This policy is in keeping with the PMA philosophy of “informing, assisting and guiding” all who seek assistance.

Effect on PMA Rules & Regulations: Nothing contained in this Resolution on immunization is intended to alter any PMA rule, amendment, belief, standard or otherwise. Of specific note is the PMA position on conventional medicine. The PMA fully supports conventional medical substances, practices and professionals. PMA Resolutions are intended for routine health matters as scriptural guidance, and are not intended to effect, intercede or inhibit any treatment or medical care in life threatening situations. We believe that conventional medicine has a necessary, specific and blessed purpose and just the same as pastoral medicine, is ordained by the Creator for a specific purpose.

PMA Choice in Immunization Program (CIP): With the adoption of this Resolution the PMA shall within 60 days create and make available the following service:

• Shall create an immunization information section on the PMA website to inform each member and visitor of the PMA position on immunization, inclusive of directions for the visitor to locate further information.
  
• Shall create a secure database service that permits individuals to place a signed and dated statement of belief in regard to immunizations on file with the PMA, and to receive an ID card as Communicant.

Adopted this 29^th Day of May, 2011, under the signature of the President, Chancellor and majority

vote of the Board of Professional Regulation.

Approving Board Members

Anthony James, DM (P)          Gerald Smith, DDS (P)
Joseph Kerwin, DDS (P)           Mark Starr, MD, MD (H), MD (P)
Bernard Sief, DM (P)                Dulce Corrales, OMD, DM (P)
Terri Beim, DM (P)                  Ted Edwards, MD, MD (P)
J. D’Amanda, DC, DM (P)        Prof. C. McWilliams, Chancellor

    Eric C. Carter                                                                                                                   Charles H. McWilliams
Eric C. Carter, President                                                                                                         Charles H. McWilliams, Chancellor