Ethics of Biotechnology:

Viewing New Creations with Anabaptist Eyes

This conference was held November 13-15, 2003, and focused on:

• The fundamental biological basis of genetic research with its prospective promises and perils.
• The process of clarifying bioethical dilemmas through deliberation, evaluation of alternatives, and insights of others.
• Understanding the complexity of bioethical dilemmas by seeing how varied disciplines highlight different dimensions of the issues.
• Articulating foundational Christian and Anabaptist values that influence bioethical decision-making.

Schedule

Thursday, November 13, 2003

Biotechnology: Genetic Modifications I

• Keynote #1: “The New Genetics: Stem Cell Research and Cloning” by Dr. John Gearhart, professor of gynecology and obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

• Case Study #1: Biomedical Issues – Dr. Thomas Huff, Professor of Microbiology & Immunology, Vice Provost, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA

Friday, November 14

Biotechnology: Genetic Modifications II

• Keynote #2: “Human Genetic Therapies & Manipulations” by Dr. Leslie G. Biesecker, senior investigator at National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD

• Keynote #3: “Genetically Modified Plants and Organisms” by Dr. Carole Cramer, professor of plant pathology and physiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

Biotechnology: Varied Insights I

• Keynote #4: “Anabaptist Insights on Biotechnology” by Dr. Conrad Brunk, professor of philosophy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada

• Keynote #5: “Ethical Issues in Biotechnology” by Dr. LeRoy Walters, professor of Christian ethics, Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

Biotechnology: Varied Insights II

• Keynote #6: “Cultural and Justice Issues in Biotechnology” by Dr. Ruth Schwartz Cowan, professor of history and sociology of science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

• Panel Presentation: “Viewing Biotechnology through Discipline Lenses”
  • History – Dr. Carl Bowman, Bridgewater, VA
  • Literature – Barbra Graber, Harrisonburg, VA
  • Legal/Public Policy – Dr. Laura Powers, Alexandria, VA
  • Nursing – Dr. Arlene Wiens, Harrisonburg, VA
  • Business/Economics – Mike Baker, Lebanon, OR
  • Agriculture – Dr. Carole Cramer, Blacksburg, VA

• Case Study #2: Biotechnology Agricultural Issues – Dr. Emerson Nafziger, Dept of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois

• Drama: “Creation Chronicles” by Ted & Lee Theater Works, Harrisonburg, VA

Saturday, November 15

Clearing Vision: Anabaptist Synthesis

• Panel Presentation: “Treading through Promises and Perils: Anabaptist & Personal Reflections on Biotechnology”
  • Sociology – Dr. Lawrence Ressler, Rochester, NY
  • Health Care – Dr. Randy Longenecker, Bellefontaine, OH
  • Agriculture – Dr. Emerson Nafziger, Urbana, IL
  • Public Policy – Timothy Jost, Harrisonburg, VA
  • Ethics – Dr. Graydon Snyder, Chicago, IL
  • Pastoral Care – Dr. Joe Kotva, Elkart, IN

• Personal Stories: Impact of Biotechnology & Genetic Manipulation – Sharon Terry, President, Genetic Alliance Board of Directors, Washington, D.C.

• Keynote #7: “Anabaptist Eyes on Biotechnology: A Response” by Dr. Stanley Hauerwas, professor of theological ethics, Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC

Post-Conference Symposium

• Health Care Ethics and Theology – George Stoltzfus & Joe Kotva, Convenors, Anabaptist Center for Health Care Ethics