Title: ELCA Issues Study Guide on Genetics
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

April 26, 2001

ELCA ISSUES STUDY GUIDE ON GENETICS
01-102-FI

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "Genetics! Where Do We Stand as Christians?"
is a 68-page study document produced by the Division for Church in
Society of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Biological research into heredity and the composition of human DNA
has raised a host of theological, ethical, legal and social issues
the study guide presents for Christians to consider.
     "These issues may be complicated, but they are not beyond
anyone's grasp and they effect everyone's future," said the Rev.
Roger A. Willer, author of the guide and an associate for studies in
the division.  "The goal of this guide is to make it possible for
anyone to join in this critical public discussion.  This guide is
based on the idea that thinking and deciding about genetics should
not be left to the specialists alone."
     "Because we have the scientific and technological ability to do
something does not mean we should do it -- or should not do it.
Christians in company with others need to appraise this new knowledge
and power to manipulate genes in light of who we are, what we believe
and what we hold to be good and right," says the book's preface.
     "This study prepares Christians to take on this task in an
informed and faithful way," it says.  "It is not a church policy
statement on genetics."
     If the ELCA decides in the future that it would like to take a
position in the public debate on genetics, the book's final chapter
says this resource will be especially helpful.  "Careful thought
given now to these concerns by individuals, congregations and the
institutional church will provide invaluable preparation when that
time comes."
     "The guide is designed for use in adult study groups, but also
doubles as an entry point for the individual reader," says the book's
introduction.  It is "designed to provide a working knowledge of the
many faces of 'genetics' and to aid Christians in determining where
they should stand on the issues."
     "Genetic knowledge can lead to amazing therapy, allow informed
choices, set free the wrongly accused, dramatically improve crop
yields and spin off whole new industries that respond to the ailments
and misfortunes of life," says the introduction.  "While we may
celebrate the potential of genetic knowledge, its application
presents challenges that range from interesting questions to
troubling personal crises and social dilemmas."
     The body of the study guide is in seven chapters:
 + A Primer in Genetics
 + Theology for the Age of Biological Control
 + Genetic Testing at the Beginning of Life
 + Genes and Human Behavior
 + Gene Patenting?
 + Genetically Modified Organisms
 + Genetics, Christians, and the Public Debate
     The chapters include materials to help readers think about and
discuss their assumptions and "pre-understandings," essential facts
about genetics, theological analysis and reflections, and decision-
making.
     "'Pre-understandings' are the broad and pervasive sets of
belief, knowledge, experiences, commitments, emotions and judgments
that every individual brings to any new topic.  There is no neutral
approach to any information," the book explains.  "It is hoped that
readers will take the time to allow these questions to help surface
their experiences, values and assumptions.  This will foster openness
and insight."
     The guide stresses that "the ultimate goal of a study is not
knowledge alone, but transformative action."  It encourages readers
"to develop a hands-on project growing out of their discussions."
     Genetic research makes new revelations on a daily basis, so
"many important topics are missing.  Some of those topics will be
addressed in additional chapters that will be made available online,"
says the guide.  Those additions will be made to material available
at http://www.elca.org/dcs/genetics.study.html on the Web site of the
ELCA Division for Church in Society.
     The study guide is distributed through Augsburg Fortress, the
publishing house of the ELCA, Minneapolis.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html