Background: Development of a Quaker concern
The story of how Friends became involved in biotechnology issues is a good way to illustrate the development of a concern within the Quaker community.
Anne Mitchell
Anne Mitchell is CFSC’s associate member for biotechnology concerns. Her work representing Friends on this issue began when she was recommended by CYM’s Ecumenical Committee for Canadian Yearly Meeting to nominate Anne to be on the government advisory body, Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee (CBAC; established in 2000). Anne brought a concern about patenting of higher life forms – the oncomouse for cancer research – to CYM in 2002, having tested it at her local Meeting in Toronto. Anne then brought the concern to the St Lawrence Regional Gathering where a minute was developed “What is it in nature and in human knowledge that we have the right to own?” Anne brought this concern to the Governing Board of the Canadian Council of Churches (CCC). The Governing Board decided to intervene before the Supreme Court on Canada on the issue of patenting of the oncomouse. More information on this case can be found on the CCC website. CBAC was disbanded in 2009 and has been replaced by a Science and Technology Committee selected by Industry Canada.
In June 2011, along with three other Canadian authors, Anne completed a publication for the Quaker Institute for the Future entitled “Agricultural Biotechnology: Perils, Promises and the Need for Public Policy”. You can find it at www.quakerinstitute.org.
As well, Anne is a member of the Biotechnology Reference Group (BRG) of the Canadian Council of Churches. The BRG is preparing pilot curriculum on faith and genetics for use in Canada. Toronto Monthly Meeting participated in the pilot. The BRG is revising the curriculum for use in Canada by early 2012.
Anne’s discussions with Friends and her experiences at the World Council of Churches Global Consultation on Genetics and New Biotechnologies in Johannesburg in December 2007 were presented at Canadian Yearly Meeting in August 2008, and documented in these three documents:
Anne serves as the General Secretary of Quaker Earthcare Witness. The focus on the QEW for 2011-2013 is biodiversity and food production, including Anne’s concern about agricultural biotechnology.
Check out Anne’s blog at www.annemitchell.ca
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