wfn.org | Lutherans Write Book on Human Genetic Testing

[George Conklin <gconklin@igc.apc.org>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

February 25, 1998

LUTHERANS WRITE BOOK ON HUMAN GENETIC TESTING
98-035-FI

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- A small group of Lutheran ethicists, theologians,
doctors, business people, and genetic researchers and counselors are
writing a book about human genetic testing and screening and the Christian
faith.  The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ELCA) Division for
Church in Society assembled nine writers and an editor Jan. 31-Feb. 1 at
the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago for one last meeting before the
book goes to print this year.
     "Much writing on genetics has attempted to carefully frame the
questions," said the Rev. Roger A. Willer, editor and project director,
Villa Park, Ill., "but our authors have been challenged to respond to the
questions with answers, with normative proposals that provide grist for
Christian reflection and action."
     "I have been deeply impressed by the dedication and energy given to
this project by the writers.  This is not perfunctory work but a passionate
commitment on their part because they believe this work is indispensable
for the healthy life of our church," said Willer.
     Genetic testing and screening are technological procedures to assess
the genetic basis or likelihood of disease, defect or abnormality.  The
most common medical applications are during pregnancy and in children, with
increasing occasions to also test adults.  Criminal DNA testing is an
example of non-medical uses.
     Willer said that essays in the first section will "set the stage and
open the conversation."
     An essay by Dr. Kevin Powell, pediatrician, Urbana, Ill., will open
the volume with a basic introduction to genetics.  The average reader will
get a working knowledge of vocabulary and concepts, while the specialist
will gain "a greater awareness of the ethical, legal and social questions
implicit and perhaps overlooked in their work," said Willer.
     Kirstin J. Schwandt, M.S., genetic counselor, Bloomington, Ind., will
introduce the personal dimensions of human genetic testing and screening
through the true stories of ten families.  "She illustrates the genuine
anxieties and sorrows, moral quandaries and personal crises that enhanced
genetic knowledge brings," said Willer.
     John Varian, chief financial officer for Neurex Corporation, a
biotechnology company in Menlo Park, Calif., presents "an insider's
perspective," said Willer.  "His message is that many within the industry
want to take part in a meaningful dialogue," and the essay will cover such
topics as "the stated values of the industry, the economic forces at work,
views on genetic discrimination and even speculation on genetics and
behavior."
     Willer said remaining sections of the volume will present
theologically informed reflections.  "In each case the authors conduct
diligent analysis and attempt to unearth the important questions, but then
also offer constructive proposals and suggest agenda
for Christian discussion and action," he said.
     An essay by the Rev. Philip Hefner, theologian, Lutheran School of
Theology at Chicago, and director, Chicago Center on Religion and Science,
tries to fairly present social perspectives of human genetic testing and
screening.  Then it lays out the implications for Christians and
congregations "living the faith" in a society that will practice genetic
medicine.
     "Whose body?" is the question that directs an essay by Dr. Elizabeth
Bettenhausen, social ethicist, Brighton, Mass.  "She flags concerns around
race, sex, social power and public policy" while encouraging a Lutheran
ethic that counters individualistic morality, said Willer.
     Dr. Hans O. Tiefel, ethicist, College of William and Mary,
Williamsburg, Va., critiques the very language used in America today to
talk about genetic testing and how that clashes with religious concepts.
"American liberalism as cultural mainstream focuses on the intrinsic worth
of individual persons in terms of their rational capacities," said Tiefel.
"Biblical and liturgical traditions ascribe human dignity to a transcendent
source, envision relationships of solidarity between members of the body of
Christ and between generations."
     Dr. Robert Roger Lebel, clinical geneticist, Elmhurst, Ill., offers a
framework for Christians thinking about genetic decisions.  "I propose that
the purpose of our lives is tied up in the challenge to make decisions
which are creative and generous, so that we build up the body of Christ in
response to the gift of being invited into it," said Lebel.
     An essay by the Rev. Theodore F. Peters, theologian, Pacific Lutheran
Theological Seminary, Berkeley, Calif., is a frank look at "the possible
social and economic pressures inherent in the widespread use of genetic
testing and screening in American society," said Willer, and Peters
proposes some appropriate responses for the church.
     The volume concludes with reflections on two case studies by the Rev.
Lawrence E. Holst, retired hospital chaplain, Seabrook Island, S.C.  He
delineates the pastor's role in counseling families making genetic
decisions and the ethical dilemmas a pastor may face in offering counsel,
said Willer.
     Willer expects to receive manuscripts from each of the writers by
April.  Editorial, glossary and index work will continue into June.  The
ELCA Division for Church in Society will make the finished volume available
by the end of 1998.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html

  George Conklin