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
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
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Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
