Introduction

We Christian people are always called to think and to pray about our own lives and about the world in which we live, especially, of course, when we are faced with challenges and opportunities which call us to understand ourselves and our relationship to God in new and, perhaps, threatening ways. There have been many such times in the past when discoveries and advances in human knowledge have called our long-held beliefs and values into question. Now, perhaps even more than in the past, scientific advances in the field of genetics are raising questions about the nature of human nature and the nature of God, as well as about the moral and pastoral implications of genetic engineering and manipulation. Because such advances concern the beliefs and values of Christian people and indeed of all human beings, it is important that those of us who believe in God as the One who creates, redeems, and sanctifies human life should think and pray about what those advances may mean and how we should deal with them.

In June of this year in cooperation with the Anglican Theological Review and the College of Preachers I gathered together a group of Episcopalians-theologians, ethicists, scientists, and people involved in pastoral care-in order to begin to explore what those advances might mean, by thinking about them and by praying for understanding and guidance. Of course, we did not reach any final solutions, nor did we arrive at any definitive teaching, but we learned much about the scientific material, and we asked questions about how these advances would affect the theological and moral understanding of human life and our relationship to God. it was, I believe, particularly appropriate that we, as Christians, ended each of our sessions with the Holy Eucharist in order that we might give thanks to God for our creation and to pray for the future of all created beings.

In this issue of the Anglican Theological Review you will find a report of what we did. As Presiding Bishop I commend it to you, with the hope that this initial consultation will begin a larger conversation in the Episcopal Church as we continue to deliberate about our responsibilities in this new area and how we as Christians may address the moral and theological questions which lie ahead.

Copyright Anglican Theological Review, Inc. Fall 1999
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