Conference of European Churches (CEC)
Church and Society Commission

A Conference to discuss the hopes and ethical challenges raised by new scientific and technological developments in current research into cloning, stem cells and embryos, and the discoveries in genetics. To discuss also the danger of possible new discriminations and social injustice regarding health care, in Europe and in the world at large.

The Conference of European Churches (CEC) is the regional ecumenical body for the whole of Europe which links in fellowship 126 churches in all countries of Europe - Anglicans, Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Orthodox, Reformed, Old Catholics and Pentecostals. Its activities includes work on church and society issues linked to the themes of justice, peace and the integrity of creation. It insists on the role of the churches in developing ethical perspectives in Europe and emphasises the importance of the dialogue between the churches and the policy makers at European level. It promotes the dialogue between the various parts of the continent in order to formulate a common basis which could represent an European view.

The mandate of its Church and Society Commission includes :

1. Study and examination of church and society questions in a socio-ethical perspective ;
2. Monitoring the European institutions (European Commission, European Parliament, Council of Europe, Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe) ;
3. Dealing with the specific responsibility of the churches in EU member states for the internal policies of the Union.

Through its activities in the field of bioethics and biotechnology, CEC has an observer status in the Steering Committee on Bioethics (CDBI) of the Council of Europe and participates in a number of meetings organised by EU institutions.

1. to bring together multipliers and committed people from the churches working on these issues ;
2. to seek possible common views and draw public attention to the churches' commitment in this field ;
3. to develop a network ;
4. to relate to the 6^th framework programme for research of the EU and the work of the CDBI.

Pattern of the programme : introductory lectures, mostly round-tables followed by debates, conclusions.

Participants :

About 60 people from all over Europe from :

• member churches of CEC
• other churches or partner organisations like Leuenberg
• other religious or philosophical groups
• the Council of Europe and the EU institutions
• various disciplines and fields of activity : researchers, medical doctors, theologians, ethicists, philosophers, lawyers, people from industry and trade.

Context and follow-up :

• the theme of the planned Conference is closely linked to the one of a hearing at the next CEC Assembly in June-July 2003 in Trondheim (Norway)
• the future work of CEC in bioethics/biotechnology would draw on the outcomes of the planned Conference : contents, networking, co-operation with partners...

27 January 2003.

For more information please e-mail Revd Richard Fischer at: csc@cec-kek.com