The Interchurch Bioethics Council (formerly the Interchurch Commission on Genetic Engineering) was set up in 2000 by the Presbyterian, Anglican and Methodist churches. Several Presbyterians are members of the Council, which considers biotechnology from a spiritual, ethical and cultural point of view.
Key tasks
The Council notes its key tasks as:
- To increase our own knowledge and understanding of the interface between spirituality and biotechnology;
- To engage in consultation and dialogue with church members, community groups and specialists, on the ethical, spiritual and cultural issues raised by biotechnology.
- To undertake and promote education on these issues within the community.
- To make appropriate submissions to Government and other relevant organisations on important issues of ethical and spiritual concern.
Gene Editing in Aotearoa New Zealand 2024 and Beyond resource (Oct 2024)
Download a timely up-to-date ICBC information resource - with prompter discussion questions for church and community groups - prepared ahead of the present NZ coalition government's plans for new legislation around GE next year, when public submissions will be requested. This resource has been compiled to give the general public a brief summary of updated information on gene editing. Discussion starters are included to begin individual and group exploration of the benefits and risks that might surround the many possible and potential uses of gene editing technology today and into the future. Please download here "Gene Editing in Aotearoa New Zealand 2024 and Beyond".
Gene editing was last reviewed in Aotearoa New Zealand some 20 years ago. The current coalition government has promised to start reviewing GE legislation this year, and enact new legislation by the end of 2025. The InterChurch Bioethics Council agrees that our GE regulation needs to be reassessed due to GE technology and its scope having advanced considerably in recent years. However, we urge an emphasis on the government’s full public consultation with easily accessible and understandable information about GE, so that New Zealanders can make their own informed decisions about the ethical use of gene technology in the many different contexts that are now possible.
Euthanasia
The ICBC has produced many resources on euthanasia, see more here.
Covid-19 and Vaccination
Interchurch Bioethics Council Covid Vaccination and the Christian Response - Update Oct 2021
The ICBC has produced an update on their paper: Frequently Asked Questions - Covid Vaccination and the Christian Response to assist in our understanding of the vaccines (October 2021). Please download.
Read the PCANZ Moderator's pastoral message that was sent to the Church 12 October 2021 with the ICBC update paper above.. Download his message .
Frequently Asked Questions - Covid Vaccination and the Christian Response - March 2021
The ICBC has produced a paper on the COVID vaccines to assist Christians with their understanding of the vaccines as they become available to all New Zealanders (March 2021). Download.
Areas of work
The Interchurch Bioethics Council prepares resources on climate change, euthanasia, GM organisms, transgenics, biotechnology and other issues. A selection of reports and resources prepared by the Council are noted below, and more can be viewed on the ICBC website under the topics: Bioethics; Climate Change; Genetic Modification; Xenotransplantation; Synthetic Biology; Euthanasia and End of Life Issues; Assisted Reproductive Technologies and Beginning of Life Issues; Covid Issues; and the Cannabis Referendum.
Gene Editing in Aotearoa New Zealand 2024 and Beyond
Information resource - with prompter discussion questions for church and community groups - prepared ahead of the present NZ coalition government's plans for new legislation around GE in 2025, when public submissions will be requested. Download here.
Legalisation of Cannabis Referendum Resource
A guide for discussion on the Legalisation of Cannabis for Medicinal and Recreational Purposes in New Zealand (May 2019). Read more
Sex-selection of embryos challenged
The ICBC speaks out against a report commissioned by the Government that recommends allowing parents to choose the sex of their child. For full story.
Real Urgent and Personal: A Christian approach to global climate change Report contains material suitable for group or individual study.
Where Do We Stand? A resource and study guide for church and community groups on the lifting of the moratorium on genetically modified organisms in New Zealand.
Making Good Decisions in Biotechnology: Stem Cell Research Cloning and Genetic information. A study guide for church groups.
Euthanasia: Unethical Intervention or Death with Dignity?
A study resource prepared by ICBC. Includes study questions and bibliography for further reading.
Transgenics: A paper from the perspective of the Interchurch Bioethics Council ICBC paper looking at the transfer of human genes into other organisms.