Ethical Guidelines

Life is a gift from God. The integrity of the life processes which God has created should be respected. Both birth and death are part of these life processes.

God endows human beings with the capacity to reflect upon life issues and make ethical decisions.

Truthfulness and faithfulness are essential in our relationships with each other.

A sense of community is a Christian value, and ethical decisions are to be made within the context of what is best for the whole community.

Christian beliefs must be manifested in both word and deed, and must remain unwavering in the face of all opposition.

Respect for the importance of the family in the life of the individual is a strong Christian value.

All human beings have the right to experience the fullness of life with dignity and respect as unique and special individuals, created in God's image.

The belief in the gift of everlasting life through Christ's death and resurrection is a central teaching the Christian faith. This strong belief enables this community (the Foss staff) to affirm a dignified death according to each person's carefully considered preferences regarding all medical treatment.