Bioethics is becoming an ever-more important topic as advances in biology, medicine and technology continue to push the boundaries of what it means to ‘edit’ the human body or ‘play God’.

In partnership with The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, we are putting on a two-day conference which aims to equip those in Christian leadership and those with a particular scientific or ethical interest to be able to engage faithfully with challenging questions around bioethics.

Our key note speakers are:
– Cherryl Hunt: The theological basis for bioethics
– Keith Fox: Current bioethical issues
– Trevor Stammers: Gene editing

The workshop  will encourage you in your walk with the Lord and will give you a greater confidence in your understanding and speaking into some of the most critical questions of our day.

There will be space and time both to discuss these issues, share fellowship and to enjoy the beautiful Lake District.

Speakers

Cherryl Hunt

Cherryl was a PhD molecular biologist before completing a masters in theology, focusing on biblical studies, and then working on a three year AHRC funded project in Theology concerning the ‘Uses of the Bible in Environmental Ethics’  She went on to complete a Bible Society-supported PhD in Theology,  examining how ordinary modern Christians might be enabled to better engage with their ancient scriptures She is currently an honorary research fellow in Theology at Exeter University and works for South West Ministry Training Course as Academic Registrar and associate tutor in New Testament and related topics.

Her other interests include Christian reflection on bioethics and these have led to her speaking, on topics such as environmental care, the status of the early embryo and human enhancement, for organizations such as Christians in Science, The Faraday Institute and other programmes seeking to make these topics accessible to church-goers, sixth-formers and medical students as well as the general public.

Keith Fox

Keith is a Professor of Biochemistry at Southampton University where he has worked since 1987. His research interests concern DNA structure and its recognition, and his scientific work has been published in over 200 papers and articles. He was Senior Executive Editor of Nucleic Acids Research until May 2021. He is a former Chair and Trustee of Christians in Science and Director of The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion in Cambridge. He is a licensed lay minister in the Church of England. He has special interests in bioethics and genome modification. His book with Alexander Massmann Modifying Our Genes: Theology, Science and “Playing God” was published by SCM Press in March 2021.

Trevor Stammers

Trevor was a GP for 30 years before becoming Associate Professor of Bioethics and Medical Law and Director of the Centre for Bioethics and Emerging Technologies (CBET) at St Mary’s University until 2021. He is currently Editor of The New Bioethics and his latest book, co-edited with Calum MacKellar, The Ethics of Generating Posthumans, was published by Bloomsbury in Feb 2022.

His research interests are principally the ethics of organ transplantation and genomic editing but he has also written on conscience in medical practice and the limits of autonomy in ethical decisions in healthcare. He was Chair of the Christian Medical Fellowship 2007-2009 and is a current member of the CMF Study Group on medical ethics.

Who is it for?

Church leaders, Christians in scientific professions, those with an interest in science/ethics.

View event leaflet in PDF format

Engaging with Science 2022 Timetable

Cost and Venue

The conference will be held at Keswick Ministries, in Keswick.

The cost is £65 per person.

To register and pay please complete the registration form below and for further information contact Carolyn on carolyn.south@keswickministries.org or on 017687 80075 option 4.