"Ironically, putting that in writing is more likely to make them subject to a lawsuit in future."
They rarely see the irony or hypocrisy of their stances. In this case, once again, it's breathtaking.
And as usual, they put nothing of themselves into it. Are there people in congregations who have an AED machine who don't know how to use them? Then train them, you morons! You hope that there might be people who know CPR who might help until an ambulance arrive? Here's an idea: why don't you insist that every elder and MS, at least, has a current first aid certificate?
Journeyman's correct: a lawsuit could well point to this letter and ask why there was no-one trained in CPR in XYZ Congregation on the day Brother A died of a heart attack. Actually stating that they are taking away lifesaving devices due to their fear of lawsuits may paradoxically create lawsuits. No congregant would probably sue, but a state or other government that finds out about this might.
This is stupid on so many levels, not least of which is taking away the congregational right to make their own decisions on how to look after their own people.
They probably see this decision as "prudent". I see it as just plain immoral.