The Ethical Investment Advisory Group has recently recommended a policy for the development of genetically modified (GM) crops, concluding that while developing such crops is not beyond the range of acceptable human activity, a clear ethical framework is required for the practical application of science in this area, whether for experimental or commercial purposes.

The Church of England's Ethical Investment Advisory Group is a seven-person committee that advises the Church's national investing bodies on ethical investment. It helps these bodies - the Church Commissioners, the Central Board of Finance and the Church of England Pensions Board - to co-ordinate and develop appropriate policies, and reports to General Synod.

While the Advisory Group thinks that potential benefits of genetic modification are too great to ignore, its concern that there is currently no ethical framework has led it to conclude that it would be inappropriate to allow crop trials to proceed on church land. Overall the approach of the group is precautionary, but not anti-science.

The Group believes that the public's current unease with the issues of GM crops could be addressed if a clear ethical framework was defined, such as those used in medical and human genetic research, where there are clearly defined limits to acceptable research. One recommendation of the Group is to adopt the Christian principle of the good neighbour, where researchers should ask themselves, "what is the effect on the spiritual and physical well being of others resulting from our actions in pursuit of this science?"

Welcoming the current voluntary moratorium on commercial group growing in the UK, which is seen as a vital "breathing space", the Group emphasises that not all that can be done should be done in the area of research into GM crops, calling for transparency and accountability throughout.

The concluding principle that the Group proposes is that until further research has been conducted into the ecological risks, new agricultural leases should contain a clause excluding the planting of GM crops on church land. Any subsequent applications to conduct field trials would be considered in the context of the ethical framework proposed by the Advisory Group, and in the light of continuing reflection.

Article from: Chichester Magazine