Statement from South African Catholic Bishops' Conference
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15 September 2004

Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences
Msgr Marcelo Sanchez Sarondo
Casinia Pio IV
00120 Vatican

Dear Msgr. Sanchez Serondo

"Feeding a Hungry World."

We write this letter in expectation of the conference "The Moral Imperative of Biotechnology" organised by the US Embassy to the Holy See and presented in co-operation with the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, which is to be held on 24 September 2004.

The number of hungry people in the world today is indeed a matter of great concern and urgency for us all. Africa is one of the most affected continents when it comes to this problem. It is therefore understood that we in Africa are particularly interested in finding solutions to this problem. Solutions that will benefit the poor and marginalised peoples of the world without undermining their human dignity and principle of subsidiarity.

In an address in August 1985 at the UN Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, our Holy Father Pope John Paul II states that:

"Science and technology, as well as material and economic development cannot be the ultimate determining factor. It is the human person and especially communities and nations freely choosing to face the problems together that will determine the future."

In line with this statement there are many aspects of genetically modified food production which we feel need to be addressed before we can even begin to consider genetically modified food as part of the solution to fight hunger in the world.

For as long as this technology remains in the domain of a privileged few who own intellectual property rights of seeds, the poor of this world are left dependent and compromised in regard to their food sovereignty.

For as long as there is no certainty of the long term safety of genetically modified food to human health and the environment, great caution should be taken in promoting this technology. We believe that GM products should be subjected to the same investigation and trials as any new drug, namely animal trials, followed by human trials for a protracted period, before being declared safe for human consumption.

Respect for the integrity of creation is an integral part of our Christian faith. The crossing of genetic material between unrelated species and the consequences thereof raises many questions about the environmental impacts.

The ethical and moral elements of genetically modified foods are all encompassing and must form the basis of all deliberations and decisions concerning GM food products. Ethical and moral responsibilities which accompany the manipulation of life forms, have however, not been adequately addressed and clarified. These are questions which should have been addressed even before contemplating such a profound intervention in creation.

This is not the first time that an elixir for world hunger is being offered. In the 1950's the elixir was DDT. Half a century later the adverse effects of DDT are being experienced and the hunger has increased. It is for this reason that the Southern African Bishops Conference (SACBC) continues to advocate for the Precautionary Principle to be applied when promoting the production and consumption of genetically modified foods.

As we continue to search together for solutions that will provide for the poor and maintain and sustain the environment for future generations, we send you fraternal greetings.

Sincerely in Christ,

Signed
Mlungisi Dlungwane, Auxiliary Bishop of Marianhill,
Chairperson; SACBC Justice and Peace Department.

Kevin Dowling, Bishop of Rustenburg,
Vice-Chairperson, SACBC Justice and Peace Department.