Social Statement on Bioethical Research

ELCA Churchwide Assembly Action CA05.06.25

Passed by the 2005 Churchwide Assembly in Orlando, Florida.

Resolved
To receive with gratitude the memorial of the Northeastern Iowa Synod requesting that an ELCA social statement on genetic research and therapy be developed;

To acknowledge that conversations on this topic already are being conducted throughout society and this church;

To call upon the Division for Church in Society (or the appropriate churchwide unit) to develop a social statement that addresses significant theological, ethical, public, and pastoral challenges arising from developments in genetics in accord with ELCA guidelines (as set forth in “Policies and Procedures of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for Addressing Social Concerns”) for possible consideration by the 2011 Churchwide Assembly; and

To encourage continued faithful conversations on this topic throughout this church during the study process.