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Genetics

In 2002, the Bishops of the Church of England spent some time studying the subject of genetics. The background paper that was provided for that study is reproduced in full here. It is not a position paper but an introduction to the subject to aid Christian thinking.

Human Genetics

In 2004 the Mission & Public Affairs Council submitted a response to the consultation Choosing the Future, run by the Human Genetics Consultation. It warned that human genetics should be developed for the purpose of therapy only, and not for the enhancement of the foetus.

Genetically Modified Organisms

In 1999, the Church Commissioners, who are responsible for the Church's land, were asked if they would consider leasing farmland for scientific crop trials, which might include genetically modified (GM) crop trials. The Ethical Investment Advisory Group (EIAG) of the Commissioners undertook a detailed study of the theology, ethics and science of GM crop trials undertaken in open fields. The EIAG produced a report with recommendations, which were accepted by the Church Commissioners in 2000. The EIAG recommended that future tenants of the Church Commissioners should not be permitted to conduct GM crop trials without prior permission, which would be granted on a case by case basis. The report includes guidelines on how such trials should be conducted ethically.

The Board for Social Responsibility produced a briefing paper on GM Organisms in April 1999. (Briefing papers of the Board do not give the policy position of the Church but seek to provide factual information and theological arguments to assist Christians and others in their thinking.)