| Resolution Number: | 1985-A090 |
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| Title: | Encourage Human Genetic Engineering Research |
| Legislative Action Taken: | Concurred As Amended |
| Final Text: | |
Resolved, That this 68th General Convention encourages genetic engineering research to increase human understanding of vital processes, recognizing that human DNA is a great gift of God, lying at the center of life and directing our development, growth and functioning; and be it further
Resolved, That in order to provide effective therapy designed to reduce human suffering, encouragement should be given to the multiplication of "cloned" human genes in especially designed "in vitro" conditions, a process providing the valuable source of pure human proteins which make this therapy possible, provided that through action by Congress authorization is given to the Food and Drug Administration or to some other appropriate agency which includes those competent in the necessary scientific disciplines and also persons with training in ethics and representatives of the general population and non-scientific members, to assure an ethically acceptable use of these human proteins; and be it further
Resolved, That commendation be given to trained genetic counselors and the organizations which support them; and be it further
Resolved, That the Board for Theological Education and the Council of Seminary Deans be requested:
(a) to provide for an appropriate group, equipped with pertinent scientific and theological competency, to study the implications of genetic knowledge and genetic manipulation for the Church's teaching; and
(b) to include basic training in human genetics in the curricula of our seminary continuing education programs; and
(c) to hold up before seminarians and clergy the need for clergy and other ministers to acquire special training in genetics and ethics in order to work progressionally with parents, health professionals and others caring for babies or other loved ones with genetic disorders.
| Citation: | General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 1985 (New York: General Convention, 1986), p. 179. |
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Legislative History
| Author: | The Standing Commission on Human Affairs and Health |
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| Originating House: | House of Deputies |
| Originating Committee: | Committee on Social and Urban Affairs |
House of Deputies
Original Text of Resolution:
(A090)
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That this 68th General Convention encourages genetic engineering research directed to an increase in human understanding of vital processes, recognizing that human DNA is a great gift of God, lying at the center of life and directing our development, growth and functioning; and be it further
Resolved, That in order to provide effective therapy designed to reduce human suffering, encouragement should be given to the multiplication of "cloned" human genes in especially designed "in vitro" conditions, a process providing the valuable source of pure human proteins which make this therapy possible, provided that through action by Congress authorization is given to the Food and Drug Administration, or to some other appropriate agency which includes non-scientist members, to assure an ethically acceptable use of these human proteins; and be it further
Resolved, That the Board for Theological Education and the Council of Seminary Deans be requested to include basic training in human genetics in the curricula of our seminaries and in programs for continuing education of the clergy; and that clergy be asked to consider, as a special form of ministry, the acquisition of special training in genetics and ethics in order to work professionally with parents and doctors of babies with genetic disorders.
Proposed Committee Amendment:
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That this 68th General Convention encourages genetic engineering research directed to an increase in human understanding of vital processes, recognizing that human DNA is a great gift of God, lying at the center of life and directing our development, growth and functioning; and be it further
Resolved, That in order to provide effective therapy designed to reduce human suffering, encouragement should be given to the multiplication of "cloned" human genes in especially designed "in vitro" conditions, a process providing the valuable source of pure human proteins which make this therapy possible, provided that through action by Congress authorization is given to the Food and Drug Administration, or to some other appropriate agency which includes those competent in the necessary scientific disciplines and also persons with training in ethics and representatives of the general population and non-scientific members, to assure an ethically acceptable use of these human proteins; and be it further
Resolved, That commendation be given to trained genetic counselors and the organizations which support them, including the March of Dimes; and be it further
Resolved, That the Board for Theological Education and the Council of Seminary Deans be requested:
(a) to provide for an appropriate group, equipped with pertinent scientific and theological competency, to study the implications of genetic knowledge and genetic manipulation for the Church's teaching; and
(b) to include basic training in human genetics in the curricula of our seminaries seminary continuing education programs; and
(c) to hold up before seminarians and clergy the need for clergy and other ministers to acquire and in programs for continuing education of the clergy, and that clergy be asked to consider, as a special form of ministry, the acquisition of special training in genetics and ethics in order to work progressionally with parents, health professionals and others caring for and doctors of babies or other loved ones with genetic disorders.
Deputy Barrow of Southeast Florida moved an amendment.
Proposed Amendment:
In line 2 of the third Resolved clause, delete the words "including the March of Dimes."
Motion carried
Amendment adopted
The motion was made to end the debate.
Motion carried
Debate terminated
A vote was taken on A090, as amended.
Motion carried
Resolution adopted
(Communicated to the House of Bishops in HD Message #85)
House of Bishops
The following message was received from the House of Deputies:
HD Message #85: A090 Amended (Human Genetics).
The Bishop of the Central Gulf Coast moved an amendment.
Proposed Amendment:
Delete the seminary related material in the fourth Resolved under category (b).
Seconded by the Bishop of Indianapolis.
Amendment defeated
The House concurred
(Communicated to the House of Deputies in HB Message #112)
Resolution Concurred by Both Houses, September 11.
| Report Reference: | Standing Commission on Human Affairs and Health, Reports to the 68th General Convention, 1985, pp. 118-149. |
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| Abstract: | The 68th General Convention encourages ethical genetic engineering research and the multiplication of cloned human genes for therapies that reduce human suffering. It requests a study of the implications of genetic knowledge and manipulation. |