Full Legislative History
Resolution Number: 1985-A090
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.