Biotechnology Reference Group

Terms of Reference

The Biotechnology Reference Group (BRG) was established by the Governing Board of The Canadian Council of Churches in 1999 as a reference group for the gathering and exchange of information on biotechnology. Both the Commission on Faith and Witness and the Commission on Justice and Peace are represented on the Biotechnology Reference Group and see the work of the Biotechnology Reference Group work as their own.

The Canadian Council of Churches is the broadest ecumenical body in Canada, now representing 23 churches of Anglican, Evangelical, Free Church, Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox, Protestant, and Catholic traditions; together the Canadian Council of Churches represents 85 per cent of the Christians in Canada.

Purposes of the Biotechnology Reference Group

Cooperation
• To bring together representatives from the churches who are working on these issues.
• To gather information from churches, sister ecumenical organizations, other faith communities, and prominent research institutes: engaging existing expertise.
• To facilitate the joint learning of members of the Biotechnology Reference Group, engaging members of other faith communities, as well as practitioners, theoreticians, and other specialists from the field.
• To assess emerging issues from time to time, and suggest appropriate responses.

Theological Reflection
• To encourage a forum for theological and ethical reflections.

Education
• To assist in the churches’ learning on these issues, providing helpful research and other written resources, and facilitating education opportunities for churches and their members.

Advocacy
• Depending on the urgency of the issues involved, from time to time engage the public authorities on topics of common concern.

Communication
• To share information broadly and communicate the findings of the group to the churches, their members, and the public.

Membership

Members are appointed by member churches of The Canadian Council of Churches. Additional members may join because of their interest and expertise in the topic. All members seek to develop a close working relationship with their church. Organizations related to the CCC such as the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, for example, may also be asked to collaborate with the group on different projects of mutual interest through ex officio representation at group meetings.

Meetings are held in the Toronto area 3 or 4 times yearly.

According to the Forum model, decisions are taken by consensus. Members who may not be present at a meeting will be invited by email to agree or raise concerns regarding a proposed decision.

Leadership

The Chair of the Biotechnology Reference Group sets the agenda for the meetings, moderates dialogue, leads the group when taking important decisions, and reports to the Governing Board twice a year.

One of the Associate Secretaries of The Canadian Council of Churches provides staff support to this group in sending out agendas for the meetings, taking minutes, and following up on requests and action items in between meetings.

Funding

The Biotechnology Reference Group enjoys access to a small annual budget from The Canadian Council of Churches. Additional projects may be funded on a grants and special donation basis.

More Biotechnology

• Beginning Biotechnology Guidelines
• Biotechnology Consultations
• Biotechnology Resources
• Faith and Genetics
• Members
• More Resources from Sister Councils of Churches