Faith, science and technologyThis project provides space for churches to engage with each other on how new technologies – from genetically modified seeds to the harvesting of eggs for genetic and stem-cell research, or to bionic legs and artificial intelligence – are affecting life. It includes opportunities for ecumenical reflection and advocacy on the issues at stake for people and the future of life on earth. The focus is on the use and misuse of science and new technologies, e.g. bio-technologies and information, energy, and surveillance technologies. It builds on previous WCC work in this area. Working in close collaboration with the Bossey Ecumenical Institute, the project brings together representatives of churches and ecumenical organizations with ethicists, scientists, and business people for dialogue and networking. In view of its relevance to the issue of the manipulation of human life by new technologies, the project will analyse churches' responses to a WCC Faith and Order study document on Christian anthropology. A Global Consultation in partnership with the Canadian Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches in Christ in the USA is scheduled for december 2007. In 2009, an event will mark the 30th anniversary of the groundbreaking Conference on Faith, Science and the Future held at the Massachusetts Institute for Technology in 1979. The project will share information on new technological developments and contributions to and results of seminars at the Ecumenical Institute via the WCC website, an electronic newsletter, collaborative computing and other communication tools.
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