Ethical and theological reflection on stem cell research

Some 40 participants from a range of Christian traditions as well as from Islamic and Jewish backgrounds are expected at the international consultation "Stem Cell Research in the service of human life?" taking place 9-11 November at the Volos Academy for Theological Studies, Greece. As scientists, medical doctors, theologians and ethicists, all have been engaged in the debate on stem cell research in their respective countries.

The purpose of the consultation is share information and facilitate interaction between scientists, ethicists and theologians, thus building on the legacy of the 1979 conference on "Faith, Science and the Future" that was held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA, and the 2007 Global Consultation on Biotechnologies and the Ministry of the Church held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Presentations by scientists on advancements in the rapidly developing field of stem cell research and the ethical concerns they see arising from their work will help theologians and ethicists understand the science and reassess what is at stake. In addition, the consultation will provide a space to discern the ethical issues for society at large and to formulate theological responses.

Concept paper of the consultation

Agenda

More information on the WCC project "Faith, science and technology"