I received this news story this morning, and thought I would pass it along
to the list for your information and edification. I find all of this
interest in genetically modified (GM) foods fascinating, not only because
it is related to my own research, but because it reflects the awkwardness
that ensues when the churches try to sort out issues in social ethics,
particularly when those issues involve rapidly advancing technologies. For
what it's worth, I think the Vatican's statement is prudent, wise and
ethically appropriate. I think the Anglicans are typically lost, and
subject to ideological manipulation. I think the Christian Ecology Link
is, frankly, nuts, and ethically vacuous. I am left with the assumption
(and that's all it is) that the Roman Catholic Church, with its traditional
reliance on Natural Law theory, is able to understand the dynamics of
nature, and what constitutes a genuine violation of nature, better than the
rest of us.
12/03/1999 07:04:05
The Observer/ Vatican theologians say 'prudent yes' to GM foods
Europe Intelligence Wire via NewsEdge Corporation : The Pope has given his
blessing to genetically modified food in a move which will reignite the
controversy over the ethics of genetic engineering.
After more than two years of discussion, the Vatican's Pontifical Academy
for Life has decided that, while it is wrong to modify the human genetic
code, modifying the genes of plants and animals is theologically acceptable.
Bishop Elio Sgreccia, vice- president of the pontifical academy, said: 'We
are increasingly encouraged that the advantages of genetic engineering of
plants and animals are greater than the risks. The risks should be carefully
followed through openness, analysis and controls, but without a sense of
alarm.'
Referring to genetically modified products such as corn and soya, Sgreccia
added: 'We give it a prudent 'yes' We cannot agree with the position of some
groups that say it is against the will of God to meddle with the genetic
make-up of plants and animals.'
But he warned that consumers must be informed on genetically modified
products by proper labelling. He added that potential environmental risks
from genetically modified plants must 'be carefully studied and monitored on
a case-by-case basis'.
Last month's Vatican decision comes as a battle has erupted within the
Church of England over its attitude towards GM food.
On Wednesday, the Church of England's ethical investment working group will
meet to decide whether to allow the Government to use church land for GM
crop trials. There is concern that undue pressure is being put on the Church
Commissioners to allow the Ministry of Agriculture to proceed with the
trials.
A decision on the issue will have far-reaching implications for the
Government's policy on GM food. The Prime Minister, a practising Christian,
would be highly embarrassed if the Church of England declared GM trials
'unethical'.
This Wednesday's meeting of the Church's ethical group will also have a
significant impact on the Church's financial investment, as the
commissioners hold thousands of shares in companies involved in genetic
science.
Tim Cooper, chairman of the Christian Ecology Link, said: 'The Church
Commissioners should disinvest from companies such as Astra-Zeneca and
Novartis forthwith. Widespread public opposition to GM food means that
investing heavily in their shares involves undue risk. The commissioners
should instead be exploring opportunities for increased investment in
companies associated with organic food, which benefits the environment and
is increasingly in demand.'
He warned that, if the Church Commissioners allowed the trials to proceed,
'ordinary churchgoers will find it hard to understand why the Church
disregards the known environmental threats and dismisses widespread public
concern.'
The Christian Ecology Link, Christian Aid and Friends of the Earth are also
concerned at the role played by Stuart Bell MP, the Government's
representative on the board of the Church Commissioners.
Bell earns thousands of pounds a year from Bell Pottinger the public
relations firm which advises Monsanto. They are also worried about the
influential role played by Professor Derek Burke, a key member of the
Church's scientific and medicines advisory committee. Burke is a passionate
supporter of GM food and recently published a 10-point rebuttal of the
Prince of Wales's criticism of GM food.
Although the Vatican did restate church objections to human cloning and
test-tube fertilisation, it gave its cautious approval to other forms of
biotechnology that it believes seek to improve the human condition.
Sgreccia said: 'Bioengineering is a good if it seeks to cure, but an evil if
it violates the personality of man to the point of eugenicism and the
construction of human beings to use them as an organ factory.'
<<Europe Intelligence Wire -- 11-28-99, p. Page 13>>
Tom Pearson
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________________________________________________________________
Thomas D. Pearson
Department of History & Philosophy
The University of Texas-Pan American
Edinburg, Texas
e-mail: pearson@panam1.panam.edu