National Study Conference on Genetics, Religion, and Ethics

This project will assemble persons of diverse religious commitments to study the religious and ethical implications of genome research. Four regional inter-disciplinary study groups will produce preparatory papers for an international, ecumenical conference, in March 1992. The papers will be supplemented by several addresses with respondents, interpretations of case studies on recent genetic research, and by presentations on diverse religious points of view. Topics addressed include: the impact of prevailing theologies of human life and new knowledge of molecular biology; modifying human nature by genetic manipulation; defining the limits of scientific inquiry and technology; religious organizations as educators on genetics; the role of women in science and the impact of the genome project on reproductive decisions; and concerns about screening, confidentiality, and factors affecting genetic counseling. The corpus of addresses, reports, case studies and discussions will be published in book form. (Co-funded with DOE)