Last meeting: 26-27 October 2001
Next meetings in 2002: 19-20 April and 25-26 October.

Topics addressed :

1. Discussion about working methods within the group.
2. Xenotransplantation

   A final draft should be discussed in the coming months, in three parts :

   • the actual issue,
   • more general associated issues,
   • the link with the work of the Steering Committee on Bioethics of the Council of Europe.

3. Genetics and predictive medicine

   A final draft should be discussed in the coming months, addressing e.g. following aspects: growing therapeutic gap between diagnostic and curing possibilities, reductionism in the medical logic, links with human rights and social issues, insurance and employment issues, confidentiality of data.

4. Genetic Modification (organisms and food)

   A final draft should be discussed for adoption by the Executive Committee of the Church and Society Commission in January 2002.

   Summary framework of the questions addressed :

   • GM food as the symbol of underlying value questions
   • How far should humans intervene in God’s creation ?
   • Is genetic engineering too risky ?
   • Sustainable agriculture
   • Control, power and accountability
   • Feeding the Poor ?

5. Ageing

   The issue will be a substantial point in April 2002.