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Note #6180 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

1-September-2000
00318

Designing Christians

Conference will explore issues of genetic science and faith

by Evan Silverstein

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- With a rough map of the human genetic makeup charted, the
cloning of farm animals a reality and the potential for making copies of
human embryos under debate, the Presbyterian Church (USA) is holding a
conference this winter exploring the impact such genetic advances might have
on Christian faith and on being human.
	Leaders in genetic science, theology and ethics will be among those from
around the nation who gather in Pittsburgh from Nov. 9 to Nov. 11 for "What
Does It Mean To Be Human? A Conference on Genetics and Christian Faith."
	In addition to targeting professionals in genetic science-related fields,
organizers  hope the conference will attract others interested in the
interplay of Christian faith and science, pastors facing genetics-related
issues and parents or others interested in how genetic-science might impact
children.
	"The conference focuses on anyone interested in the topic (of genetics) and
in the church," said the conference coordinator, the Rev. Charles Wiley, an
associate for theology with the PC(USA)'s Office of Theology and Worship,
one of the event's sponsors. "We're trying to make it interesting enough for
specialists, but we're trying to impress upon folks who are not even in the
field that they need to think about it."
	Organizers hope to attract about 250 people to the conference, which is to
be co-sponsored by the Center for Business, Religion and Public Life at
Presbyterian-related Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, the location of most
conference events.
	Recent advances in understanding and manipulating genes -- the biological
units of heredity -- have set the stage for scientists to eventually alter
patients' genetic material to fight or prevent disease. One major goal of
gene therapy is to supply cells with healthy copies of missing or flawed
genes. This approach is revolutionary. Instead of giving a patient a drug to
treat or control the symptoms of a genetic disorder, physicians try to
correct the basic problem by altering the genetic makeup of some of the
patient's cells.
	Through expert speakers, plenaries and small group sessions,
conference-goers will examine what the gospel has to say about the
possibilities and perils of genetic-related issues, and how we understand
ourselves as beings created by God.
	"Advances in genetic science is challenging who we think we are, because of
our ability to make so many choices about it,"  Wiley said. "It raises
questions about what it means to be created in the image of God when we have
so much choice about who we are."
	One of the event's two dozen presenters said he thinks recent innovations
in genetic science makes the timing right for such a conference.
	"I'm looking forward to learning about the level of understanding and
enthusiasm that exists among fellow Presbyterians," said Dr. Kenneth W.
Culver, a long-time Presbyterian and one of a team of scientists who
pioneered the first clinical applications of gene therapy to
immunodeficiency disorders and cancer. "Regarding the exciting advances in
genetics, I actually have found quite strong acceptance and enthusiasm for
the possibilities of genetic research."
	The conference will feature four plenary sessions, including "Getting up to
Speed on the Advances of Genetic Science" and "What Does it Mean to be
Human? The Church's Thinking." At least 11 small group sessions are planned,
including "Cloning: Where Does it Go From Here?" and "Then What of Children?
The Status of Children in an Age of Genetic Choice."
	Participants on the first day will hear about genetic science and where it
is headed, followed by a session open to the public on how to understand
science as a Christian vocation. The second day will feature wide-ranging
conversations with leading ethicists, theologians and behavioral
geneticists, followed by an evening session addressing questions pertaining
to genetic testing.
	The conference sites are Pittsburgh Theological Seminary; the Westin
William Penn Hotel, 530 William Penn Way; and First Presbyterian Church, 320
Sixth Ave.
	Presenters scheduled to appear at the conference include:

 * Rev. Ronald Cole-Turner, the H. Parker Sharp Professor of Theology and
Ethics at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the current chair of the
United Church of Christ committee on genetics.
 * Barbara Pitkin, an assistant professor of religious studies at Stanford
University. Pitkin was raised Presbyterian but now is a member of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; she has published a number of works
on the theology of John Calvin.
 * Brent Waters, Executive Director of the Center for Business, Religion and
Public Life at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

	For more information or to register, call Wiley by phone at 888-728-7228,
ext. 5734; or by email: caw@ctr.pcusa.org Or log onto the conference's World
Wide Web site at www.pcusa.org/taw/gencon.htm

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