The Greek Orthodox Church, The NCC and Stem Cell Research: Just say NO

Often I refrain from specifically endorsing articles I post or link on here. However in this case I am going to make an exception. I strongly endorse this article and urge everyone to read it.

Greek Orthodox Church Should Say No to NCC Collaboration on Stem Cell Research
Rev. Johannes L. Jacobse

At first glance, the position paper on human biotechnology written by the Archdiocesan Advisory Committee on Science and Technology seems innocent enough. Titled "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: A Policy on Human Biotechnologies," the paper correctly warns against the potential abuse of emerging biological technologies.

The paper, written in collaboration with other members of the National Council of Churches (NCC), was distributed at last months' Clergy Laity Congress in Nashville. Work began three years ago and the completed version will be presented to the NCC at its national conference in November for final approval. The advisory committee is eager to have the Greek Orthodox Church endorse the document.

And there's the rub. Despite awareness of the ethical problems raised by the advances in biotechnological research, the paper says nothing about the moral status of the embryo. At the point where moral clarity is need the most, the paper is silent. It's a critical failure and officials of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese should refuse to sign it.

Read the rest here.