The ICBC was appointed by the Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian churches. Our role is to raise issues relevant to the ethical, theological, spiritual and cultural issues in the use of biotechnology in New Zealand. We also are charged with providing opportunities for consultation and dialogue with church members and the community generally on these issues.

There are currently nine members: Anglican (4) Methodist (3) and Presbyterian (2). We should point out that while we maintain good representation from all three churches, priority is given when appointing new members to selecting the person most suited for the position, bearing in mind the balance of expertise needed in different areas. The current membership includes expertise in science, ethics, theology, medicine, education and cultural issues. The appointment of new members is approved by the appropriate people in the three churches.

Seven meetings of the ICBC and one teleconference were held during 2004 and 2005. A large amount of work is carried out by e-mail communication. We have invited a number of people from outside the Council to take part in our meetings from time to time, including Dr Stewart Jessamine from Medsafe to talk on xenotransplantation; Dr Mere Roberts, who made an exciting contribution to our understanding of Maori perspectives on biotechnology; Libby Harrison, Group Manager of the New Organisms Group of ERMA and Dr Helen Bichan from Te Toi Taiao: the Bioethics Council.

Submissions on Government Legislation and Related Activities
* March 2004: Attended Bioethics Council Focus Group on the Transfer of Human Genes into Other Animals
* March 2004: Presented paper at Foundation for Research, Science and Technology on Impact of New Technologies.
* May 2004: Submission on Discussion Document on Use of Human Genes in Other Animals
* May 2004: Submission on Law Commission Discussion Paper on New Issues in Legal Parenthood
* June 2004: Submission on Discussion Paper on Review of Regulation of Human Tissues and Tissue-based Therapies
* June 2004: Submission on Nat. Ethics. Committee on Assisted Human Reproduction (NECAHR) Discussion Paper on Embryo Donation for Reproductive Purposes
* July 2004: Submission to Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
* November 2004: Submission to NECAHR on Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis
* May 2005: submission on Xenotransplantation to Bioethics Council
* February 2006: Attendance at ‘Making People Better’ Bioethics Conference in Dunedin, with two members making presentations.
* November — December 2005: Participation in ‘Talking Biotechnology’ Conference in Wellington.
* March 2006: Submission to Ministry of Health re Guidelines on Using Established Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lines for Research.
* March 2006: Letter to Hon David Benson-Pope, Minister for the Environment regarding Genetic Use Restriction Technologies (popularly known as Terminator Technology).
* April 2006: Member Chris Downs contributed as a ‘Scanner’ to the first round of reports of the Navigator Network News , sponsored by MORST.
* April 2006: Letter to Hon David Parker, Minister Responsible for Climate Change Issues in support and in addition to letter from Anglican bishops on Climate Change
* May 2006: Oral submission to Ministry of Health on Guidelines on Using Cells from Established Human Stem Cell Lines for Research.

Talks and Publications
It is impossible and unnecessary to list all the talks which have been given by all members of the ICBC, both within the churches and to the general community. Talks have been given to church annual meetings and synods, at seminars, in church services and at lunch hour and evening meetings. Articles have been published in the local and national press and talks have been given on National Radio and Radio Rhema. We have endeavoured to reach church members by writing in church papers e.g. an article on the new Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill were submitted to Touchstone, Taonga and SPANZ.

Members have attended and frequently given talks at numerous conferences, including the NZ Bioethics Conference in Dunedin, the International Bioethics Conference in Sydney, Bioethics Conference in Adelaide and most recently Toi te Taiao: the Bioethics Conference sponsored the attendance of the chairperson at the Talking Biotechnology Conference in Wellington. Most of these activities have been financed by members themselves or by sources of funding outside the ICBC.

In June 2004 we published our third study book, Euthanasia: Unethical Intervention or Death with Dignity?

Relationship of ICBC with the three churches
The ICBC relates to the Methodist and Presbyterian churches through CASI and to the Anglican church through Rev Dr Anthony Dancer, Anglican Commissioner for Social Justice. We have appreciated the assistance of CASI, particularly Julia Stuart, in the publication of our studies, and we were pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Paul Thompson, at most our recent meeting. The money required for operating the ICBC is provided by all three churches and managed by the Methodist Administration Office in Christchurch.

Conclusion
We are mindful that our brief is to consider biotechnology from the point of view of spiritual, ethical and cultural dimensions. Currently we are particularly devoting time and effort to research and consideration of spirituality and how it impinges on biotechnology. Graham O’Brien, who is an Anglican member of ICBC, is to do an Honours Dissertation on Christian Spirituality in Biotechnology, and will work with the ICBC on this.

ICBC study guides and submissions may be downloaded free from the CASI website, www.casi.org.nz or obtained by emailing Audrey Jarvis.

Please contact me if you wish to have further information on any of the matters raised in the report.

(Dr) Audrey Jarvis
Chairperson

We do this in the belief that our being and all of creation is grounded in God the Creator. We have a responsibility for and to the whole of creation. We come from the earth, we are part of the terrestrial creation, and we share in God’s creative activity, so that we have a two-fold responsibility, both to the Creator and to creation for which we as humanity will be held accountable.

Consequently the ICBC supports the concept of sustainability, which seeks to provide the best of all possible worlds for people and the environment now and in the future. This demands that we meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The effects of global warming are of concern for the whole of life as we know it now and in the future. It is our ethical and spiritual duty to act now for the benefit of all. As New Zealanders through our government we can act at a national level and as part of the wider world.

Within New Zealand, we urge the government and all political parties to act together in a non-partisan way to plan and implement measures which will reduce New Zealand’s contribution to climate change. It is not possible for measures to contain and reduce carbon levels if the measures undertaken are subject to changes of government and political whim.

We would urge all of New Zealand society, particularly politicians and policy-makers to strive to manage our carbon emissions by investigating alternative fuel sources (e.g. solar or wind) and effective public transport. In addition, full advantage must be undertaken of the research which is being carried out world-wide into cleaner technologies for the production and consumption of all types of energy. We urge the government to introduce regulations which will facilitate the importation and use of vehicles that use technologies resulting in lower carbon emissions. We also support policies which encourage reforestation, particularly in regions where economic pressures have resulted in deforestation.

In the international arena, we endorse the ratification by New Zealand of the Kyoto Agreement and the Cartagena Protocol. We recognize that adhering to the requirements of these agreements may not be without economic cost for New Zealand. However, we are part of the whole world and as such have a responsibility for the long term protection of the environment, and we share in the benefits and problems that result from how we treat our resources and our environment.

We particularly urge our government to strongly represent to the governments of major states which have not signed the Kyoto agreement the urgent need to limit greenhouse gas emissions in their own interests. The rapidly developing nations in our region such as Australia, The People’s Republic of China and India should be our particular focus in this matter.

‘This is in keeping with the Royal Commission’s recommendation of a precautionary approach,’ Dr Audrey Jarvis, chairperson of the ICBC, told the Select Committee hearing submission. ‘Considerable research under way in New Zealand will find out more about the possible effects of the release of GM organisms, such as looking at the effect of GM plants on bees and bee products and on the way in which GM pollen spreads. The results of such research will help in decision-making about full release of GMOs.

The ICBC told the Select Committee that it is not clear whether the economic benefits will outweigh the risks of GMO release. ‘The real effect on New Zealand’s ‘clean green image’ and on whether overseas customers will continue to buy NZ products will not be known until the waters have been tested,’ said Dr Jarvis. ‘It will be much more likely that we can reduce adverse effects on our markets if the release is controlled and therefore more reversible.’

‘Many New Zealanders believe that ethical, spiritual and cultural considerations should be taken into account when making biotechnology decisions,’ said Dr Jarvis. ‘The NOOM Bill needs to change for this to happen.

‘Knowledge and experience in ethical and spiritual matters should be part of the job description for ERMA members. Taking into account ethical and spiritual issues, and allowing adequate opportunity for public discussion, need to be added to the list of minimum requirements for approval of GM proposals,’ she said.

The ICBC said that New Zealand has much to learn from Maori spirituality. The new Bill has made significant provision for input from Maori, which is in keeping with New Zealand’s Treaty commitment, but the ICBC says further work is needed in this area. ‘Christianity echoes many of the sentiments that Maori have in their perception of the role of humanity in the created world,’ Dr Jarvis told the Select Committee. ‘However, as well as spiritual dimensions inherent in Maori beliefs, the spirituality intrinsic to Christian faith and tradition also must be considered in determining our attitude to the use of technology and human intervention in our world.’
Audrey Jarvis
Chair, ICBC
Email jarvis.ab@xtra.co.nz

Dear Prime Minister

We are writing to you as the Interchurch Commission on Genetic Engineering. The Interchurch Commission represents the Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches of New Zealand. Throughout the process undertaken by Royal Commission on Genetic Modification we have been active in gathering input from members of the churches throughout New Zealand, in making submissions and in being present where possible at the Royal Commission hearings.

We wish to commend the report of the Royal Commission in principle, and to urge that the Government take account of the Royal Commission’s findings in coming to the Government’s decisions on the use of GM technology in New Zealand. We particularly approve the setting up of a Bioethics Council, and the proposal that grounds for the Minister’s call-in powers regarding any application to ERMA be extended to include “significant cultural, ethical and spiritual issues”.

We do not believe that a moratorium which bans field trials of genetic modification research in New Zealand outside the laboratory, and which has no purpose other than to prolong the time during which no research can take place outside the laboratory, would be in New Zealand’s best interests.

We do believe that a moratorium on the commercial release of GMOs would be advantageous if this is worked out in conjunction with the scientific community and is used to work on the recommendations of the Royal Commission. In particular, this time should be used to develop technologies to answer concerns raised e.g. how to prevent the spread of GM plants and seeds, and to respect the autonomy of organic farmers. A moratorium to allow time to put in place rules and regulations regarding commercial release, mediation processes, scientific technologies, research into social implications, liability requirements and to prepare and provide accurate information to all members of society would be useful at this stage.

We emphasise that a moratorium should be instituted as part of a defined plan to answer the concerns raised in the Royal Commission’s report and to act upon the recommendations therein.

The Interchurch Commission on Genetic Engineering does have particular concerns relating to the Royal Commission’s recommendations which should be addressed. The major concerns are:

1. The guidelines of the proposed Bioethics Council would not be enforceable. This places doubt on the effectiveness of such a body, and the Bioethics Council should have mandatory powers.
2. It is suggested that the Bioethics Council have one Maori member. This may be seen as tokenism and should be re-considered.
3. Liability issues have not been adequately addressed.
4. The cultural concerns regarding the transfer of human genes into higher animals will not be answered by using “synthetic human genes”. More negotiation and amelioration is needed.
5. The Royal Commission supported more risk assessment of GM foods before they are permitted for sale, but did not make any recommendations to ensure this takes place.

Yours sincerely

Interchurch Commission on Genetic Engineering

Dr Audrey Jarvis (Chairperson)
Dr Vivienne Burrows
Dr Chris Downs
Prof Grant Gillett
Rev. Greg Hughson
Ms Maree Pene

The Commission brings together a group of highly respected medical, scientific, ethical and theological experts from the Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian churches. Its key tasks are to prepare a submission to the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification and to help church members engage in the public debate on genetic modification.

Commission spokesperson Dr. Audrey Jarvis said the submission would focus primarily on ethical considerations and the distinctive contribution the Christian traditions make to the public debate.

“Ethical issues church members are keen to debate include whether advances in genetic technology will benefit people world-wide, the role of the Treaty of Waitangi in Aotearoa New Zealand and the spiritual implications of the decisions to made in the area of genetic manipulation” Dr. Jarvis said.

To further raise public awareness the churches are holding a one-day forum “Will the Enz Justify the Genes – Creating dialogue on the ethics of Genetic Engineering” in Wellington on 25 August.

Ethical concerns related to Genetic Engineering will come under the spotlight at a church sponsored Symposium in Wellington on Friday 25 August. Participants from around the country have registered for “Will the Enz Justify the Genes”; a one-day conference to create dialogue on ethical concerns sparked by the current Genetic Engineering debate.

The Symposium is part of the church contribution to the current GE investigations and is an initiative of the Capital City Forum, a regular host of topical events.

Churches are also collaborating on an Inter Church Commission on Genetic Engineering to front their submissions to the Royal Commission. The Interchurch Commission has succeeded in obtaining interested person status for the Royal Commission along with the Anglican Church, the Public Questions Committee and the Catholic Bishops.

The Symposium has a high-powered line-up of contributors including:

* Rev Dr. Joseph Bush currently Lecturer in Church and Society at Knox College and previously a teacher of biomedical ethics in the United States,
* Ms Georgina Roberts a Policy Analyst for Cultural Heritage and Indigenous Issues at Te Puni Kokiri,
* Dr. Helen Hughes a ex-Commissioner for the Environment
* Dr. Hugh Campbell Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at Otago University and well known for his work on Organics,
* Dr. Carolyn King from Waikato University who works on possum control and
* Dr. Warren Tate Head of the Biochemistry Dept, Otago University and Chair of the Biomedical Research Committee of the Health Research Council.

August 21, 2000

1. The strategic options available to enable New Zealand to address genetic modification, genetically modified organisms and products, now and in the future; and
2. Any changes considered desirable to the current legislative, ° regulatory, policy or institutional arrangements for addressing genetic modification, genetically modified organisms and products in New Zealand.

The Commission’s task is to develop an informed approach to these critical issues: In addition to the Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches, which are active members of the Commission, there is dialogue with Religious Society of Friends and the Associated Churches of Christ. The purpose of this Commission is to make a submission to the Royal Commission from an ethical, theological and spiritual standpoint.

The commission consists of seven people – three Methodists, two Presbyterians, and two Anglicans. A member of the Interchurch Commission, Dr Vivienne Burrows, says it is made up of highly qualified people.

“We have three microbiologists, a professor of neurobiology, and a zoologist. Four members of the Interchurch Commission have received training in medical ethics and four have taken professional training in theology. Another member of the commission is a Maori woman who is well versed in the cultural values expressed in the Treaty of Waitangi,” Vivienne says.

According to the convenor of the Interchurch Commission, Audrey Jarvis, the Commission believes the churches have a particular role. They must consider the effect of genetic engineering technologies on New Zealanders from an ethical and theological standpoint, and no other group has the same interest and expertise in this area.

“While scientists can point out the possible and indeed the real benefits of some aspects of genetic engineering, particularly in the area of medicine, we need to look at spiritual issues,” Audrey said. “This includes how the community believes genetic technology impinges on our wholeness as individuals and as a community, and the ethical issues such as justice and equity, informed consent, benefits and risks from the point of view of protecting our cultural and spiritual values.”

Since the appointment of its members, the Interchurch Commission has been very active, Audrey said. “We participated in the Royal Commission’s scoping meetings, which were designed to find out what New Zealanders think are the important issues that should be considered.” The Interchurch Commission has been granted `interested person’ status, which means the commission may present a written submission before October 31, and to appear before the Royal Commission during February 2001.

On August 25 about 90 people attended a Wellington symposium called `Will the Enz Justify the Genes ? Creating dialogue on the Ethics of Genetic Engineering’ organized by Capital City Forum, an ecumenical social justice organisation. The proceedings of this symposium are available from the Public Questions Committee for $15.

To seek public input on how genetic engineering should take place, the Interchurch Commission will hold a series of public meetings. The meetings will be based on the style of the Royal Commission’s scoping meetings.

During the meeting, people meet at tables, where they raise questions about genetic engineering. They then write down their concerns on cards. This technique solicits opinions from everyone present rather than from just the most articulate speakers.

The meetings will be held in Christchurch, Timaru, Dunedin, Palmerston North, Wellington, and Hamilton between September 11 and October 7, with the purpose of listening to church members’ opinions. Other meetings may be scheduled. The meetings will also provide resources to assist people who wish to make written submissions to the Royal Commission. For those who cannot get to these meetings the commission welcomes contact by phone or e-mail.

Commission convenor Dr Audrey Jarvis said that the Commission is charged with representing the views of church members and is holding these meetings so that this consultation can take place. She said, “To be able to represent the views of church members it is essential that we hear what they have to say about genetic engineering.”

“The focus of the meetings will be consultation. We will be asking participants in these meetings what they consider to be the most important issues in the use of genetic engineering techniques in New Zealand. We will also provide some information to resource those church members who wish to make their own submissions to the Royal Commission,” Dr Jarvis said.

The first of these meetings will be held at St Mary’s Church, Merivale, Christchurch on Monday 11 September 2000. The series will conclude with a meeting in Invercargill on 8 October, leaving enough time for feedback to be incorporated into the Commission’s submission due at the Royal Commission by 30 October.

While the purpose of the meetings is to hear church member’s opinions, members of the public and media are welcome to attend.