|
SRT Home Page What is the SRT Project? Site Map & Subject Index What's New? Highlights Current Talking Point SRT Publications SRT Newsletter SRT Information Sheets SRT Topical Papers Press Room Contact SRT Send a comment Guest Book SRT Trust & Associates Links European Christian Environmental Network Eco-Congregation |
|
Deliverance (Board of National Mission)
33. Affirm the central role of the Society Religion and Technology Project in the mission of the Church through its vital encounter with the world of science and technology, and urge the Board of National Mission to take all possible steps to secure the future of the Project.
34. Commend the continuing work of the SRT Project in genetic engineering, energy and the environment; its fruitful European involvement with EECCS workging groups; and its promotion of public events in science and faith.
In December 1993 the SRT Project began a major new study into ethical questions of the genetic engineering of animals and plants. Following well proven SRT practice, a multi-disciplinary expert working group has been set up, consisting of senior figures in animal and plant genetics, animal welfare, agriculture, as well as experts in broader fields such as the public perception of technology, sociology and ethics. Under the convenorship of the SRT Project Director, Dr Donald Bruce, the group has been meeting monthly to consider the many and complex issues which this rapidly expanding area of biotechnology is bringing to light, an area in which Scotland has world-leading research. Recent developments have confirmed the timeliness of the study, and the value of bringing a Christian ethical perspective to a debate before the technology becomes too established to bring such an influence to bear.
The group is evidently much appreciated by those involved in the technology in providing an opportunity for ethical reflection that would not otherwise arise. The process of interdisciplinary discussion is itself a vital factor as the problems are considered from a number of viewpoints, and members of the group have learnt much from each other's perspectives. The group aims to complete the major part of its work by autumn 1995, as a manuscript for publication as a book, which it is hoped will be a significant contribution to thinking in an area where to date there has been relatively little ethical reflection. The major points of these findings will be reported to the 1996 General Assembly.
Amongst the issues considered to date are the controversial question the patenting of genetically modified animals and plants, the effect of commercial and political pressures on the direction of biotechnology, the exploitation of Third World economies and genetic resources, animal welfare implications of genetic manipulation, the relationship of genetic engineering to classical breeding, public perceptions of an "expert technology", and of public involvement in debate, ethical committees and legislation. A series of case studies is also being prepared, which will highlight these issues, in addition to chapters looking in more depth at the issues. In March 1994, the group made a submission to the Ministry of Agriculture's Banner Committee on ethics in emerging technologies in animal breeding. It voiced animal welfare and other concerns, including possible impact of future animal biotechnology on rural areas of Scotland.
The group has looked in some depth at the issue of patenting genetically modified animals and plants. There are divergent views about the underlying issue of whether it is appropriate to patent life forms at all. Whereas one can make a fair case for needing some system for protecting biotechnological "intellectual property", it is far from clear what the best means would be. There is debate, for example, over whether it would it be enough patenting a process leading to a genetically modified animal or plant, rather than the organism itself. Other issues being considered are whether patenting helps or hinders open publication of research advances, and to what extent marks part of an unwelcome trend turning nature into being merely a "commodity".
The Director has taken part in various discussions on the role of the public opinion in bioethical decisions. He also represents the UK churches on the EECCS working group on bioethics which in June 1994 was given the opportunity by the Council of Europe to make a critical submission on in its draft Bioethics Convention. The Parliamentary Assembly has sent back the Convention for substantial revision, upholding some of the EECCS group's concerns.
The SRT Project continues to promote the Church of Scotland's environmental concerns in many different forums. The Director has attended high level meetings at the Department of the Environment into the setting up of a Round Table on Sustainable Development, on which the Government have now specifically asked for direct involvement from the churches.
The Director is also a member of the EECCS working group on Economy and Ecology, which is preparing a report on the implications of sustainable development to be submitted to the European Union in 1995. This is a vital opportunity for the European churches to present a joint report to the EU, drawing on the understanding of experts from several countries. Dr Bruce co-authored the chapter on energy, which reflects perspectives presented to the Church of Scotland in the 1994 Church and Nation report on the environment, and in SRT's recently reprinted booklet "Seeing Scotland from the Summit". This chapter was well received at a peer review consultation held in October before an invited group of European experts on the environment and theology.
In preparation for a consultation between church representatives and the energy uindustry in Scotland, SRT sent a questionnaire to all parishes in the church, to gauge "grassroots" opinion in the church on various key energy issues. Over 200 replies have been received, and SRT is very grateful for the trouble many have taken in these responses. [summary paragraph to be provided]
One of the more interesting findings was that about 25% would wish to increase the amount of nuclear power in Scotland, 39% keep it about the same and 25% phase it out. This was taken into account in making a submission from the SRT Project to the Government's review of the future of nuclear power. It noted that the church was sharply divided over the issue, but expressed SRT's opinions. Since energy use in Scotland is dominated by coal, oil and gas, which themselves are causing serious environmental problems (e.g. acid rain and the risk of global warming), the top priority must be to reduce our dependence on them. Since nuclear energy does not suffer from these emissions, and so reduces the level of our fossil fuel pollution, SRT recommended maintaining the present level of nuclear power, unless it was judged that its own environmental consequences were far worse. Although the long term aim must be to switch our energy reliance as far as possible to indigenous renewable sources, but there seemed no immediate prospect of doing so on a scale that would replace nuclear power. SRT also stressed the Church of Scotland's repeated concerns over the urgent need for a demonstrated nuclear waste disposal solution, for safety improvements on future reactors, and for a much stronger UK commitment to develop renewable energy in Scotland.
The SRT Project has been playing a very active apologetic role in the work of National Mission. The Director has played a major part in the analysis of the "Barriers to Belief" returns from presbyteries and in preparing the report. One such barrier clearly identified was the general notion that science either disproves Christianity or at least makes it unnecessary. The SRT Project organised three highly successful lectures on God and Science at the 1994 Edinburgh International Science Festival with financial sponsorship from the John Templeton Foundation, and is running three further events at the 1995 Science Festival, demonstrating the relevance of Christian belief to the world of science, including promoting a new video series on God and science for schools. SRT s also involved in the production of a series of audio tapes on apologetic issues.
The SRT Project Director has been a memberof Board of Social Responsibility's Human Genetics study group whose report will be presented to this Assembly. SRT is has also prepared a general discussion paper on some of the more underlying and long term ethical aspects of gene therapy.
Return to Contents
Return to SRT General Assembly Main Page
Go to SRT Home Page
Go to SRT Contents Page
SRT Website Map
