Hundreds of people attended the July 1999 CBHD Making a Difference conference on the campus of Trinity International University in the northern Chicago suburbs. The conference began with two days of learning how to have a life-affirming impact in five major culture-shaping arenas—the media, law, public policy, health professions, and the church. Plenary sessions with world- class speakers prepared participants to engage bioethical issues locally, nationally and internationally.
On the third day, participants strategized with leaders from various fields and together identified eleven initiatives in which Christians should be involved—concrete ways to make a difference now. Some of the initiatives are already underway and have able leadership. Others are only in the idea stage, and more participation is still needed to carry them forward. Below are four of the eleven initiatives with a summary of each.
Bioethics And The Future
Christian bioethical thought should be proactive, not reactive. This thought should anticipate current trends and future issues while maintaining good scholarship in order to embrace acceptable uses of future technology and prevent poor uses. An essential part of this strategy is to educate lay people about the technologies and ethics involved.
Internet Education And Collaboration
The Internet can be a much more effective vehicle for educating Christians as well as informing the media, public policymakers, educators, and others about Christian perspectives on bioethical issues. A coalition to initiate the development of increased networking and information sharing between groups is needed.
Bioethics Curriculum
Education is foundational to shaping people’s views on issues. Better curricula need to be created for use in the local church, universities, home schools, public schools, senior citizens groups, etc. Such curricula should bring Christian perspectives into constructive dialogue with other perspectives that are influential today.
Quick-Response Team For The Media
When an issue emerges, the media wants experts. The media need to know where to go to find knowledgeable Christians who can speak to the issue and provide additional information. Christian spokespeople also need to be organized and trained in media relations. The Center is helping to mobilize work on these initiatives. People who have an interest in participating in or helping to lead an initiative by volunteering time, expertise, or finances can contact the Center at 847.317.8180.