This article is from the EMU News Archive. The approximate date of publication was in September 2003. Current EMU news is available at www.emu.edu/news

TO EMU HEADLINE NEWS | BIOETHICS

EMU to Host Bioethics Conference

A major conference on issues surrounding new capabilities and possibilities in biotechnology will be held Nov. 13-15, 2003, at Eastern Mennonite University.

"Ethics of Biotechnology: Viewing New Creations with Anabaptist Eyes" will bring authorities on issues related to genetic research and applications to campus for presentations on the theme. The Anabaptist Center for Health Care Ethics, Elkhart, Ind.,, and Mennonite Central Committee, Akron, Pa., are associate sponsors.

The conference will include case studies, panel discussions and opportunity for audience questions and responses. It is designed for students, faculty, health care professionals, bioresearchers, agriculturalists, pastors, educators, counselors and others who care about the power and use of new understandings in genetics.

Seven keynote speakers from various disciplines and perspectives will address the conference, including: Dr. John Gearhart, gynecology and obstetrics professor at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md.; Dr. LeRoy Walters, professor of Christian ethics at the Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.; Dr. Carole Cramer, professor of plant pathology and physiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg: and Dr. Stanley Hauerwas, professor of theological ethics at Duke Divinity School, Durham, N.C.

Dr. Roman J. Miller, the Daniel B. Suter endowed professor of biology at EMU and conference coordinator, said the meeting "will explore current applications in cloning, stem cell research, gene therapies and use of genetically modified plants and animals. Miller said. "It will emphasize the role of various academic and professional disciplines and Anabaptist perspectives in informing and shaping our bioethical discernment," he added.

"Our goal is to view the promises and perils of these biotechnologies with 'Anabaptist eyes', bringing insights of our faith tradition to enlighten our understanding and practice," Miller said. "We hope that a cautious optimism, rather than reactionary censorship, will pervade the gathering."

Registration is $140 with a special student rate of $25. For more information or to register, call 540-432-4000 or visit the EMU web site at www.bioethics.emu.edu.

Posted September 1, 2003