ELCA issues revised statement on genetics and faith
February 24, 2011 at 6:46 am in Grand Forks Herald
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America released today a proposed social statement, “Genetics, Faith and Responsibility,” revised some since a draft last year raised controversy among some members who said it rejected modern farming practices such as genetically-modified seed. Continue Reading
The ELCA document on genetics is not showing a church wide bias toward organic agriculture by it’s “somewhat glowing description of ‘organic farming.’” The definition provided in the ELCA’s glossary (an ecological and production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony) is a direct quote of the USDA’s National Organic Standards Board’s definition of organic agriculture. The ELCA’s social statement, from my point of view as an organic farmer, bends over backwards to avoid offending conventional agribusiness and farmers. There certainly is nothing in the document that is grounds for forming another church body unless you are already looking for a reason to leave.
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