October 16, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Melinda Smith, (503) 244-7890

 

35^th COLLINS LECTURE EXPLORES STEM CELL RESEARCH

“Shaping Our Genetic Futures: Theological and Ethical Implications of Stem Cell Research” will be addressed by distinguished pastor and scholar Dr. Audrey R. Chapman at the 35^th annual Collins Lecture on November 4, 2002. The 7 p.m. keynote lecture and other Collins Lecture events will be held at First United Methodist Church, 1838 SW Jefferson St. in Portland.

Dr. Chapman currently serves as director of the Dialogue on Science, Ethics and Religion for the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington, D.C. An ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ, Dr. Chapman received her M.Div. from New York Theological Seminary and her Ph.D. from Columbia University.

In addition to the keynote lecture, community members are invited to come to a 4 p.m. workshop, “Faith Forum on Genetics: Genetics 101,” introducing basic concepts and challenges in the field of genetics and stem cell research. The workshop will be presented by bioethicist Dr. Mark Marengo and associate professor of genetics Dr. Lisa Sardinia, both from the Institute for Ethics and Social Policy at Pacific University in Forest Grove. A light dinner will follow the workshop at 5:30 p.m.

Dr. Chapman’s keynote presentation, “Shaping Our Genetic Futures:  Theological and Ethical Implications of Stem Cell Research” will begin at 7 p.m. At the conclusion of her presentation, attendees will hear responses from a panel of ethicists from the Roman Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim traditions, providing an opportunity for further depth and dialogue. The panelists will include Dr. Ali Dowlatdad, physician, Providence Health System; Rabbi Kim Stoloff, Assistant Rabbi, Temple Beth Israel; and Rev. Dr. John F. Tuohey, Providence Chair of Applied Health Care Ethics. The interfaith panel is being sponsored by the Providence Center for Health Care Ethics.

Package pricing of $40 is available for those wishing to attend all events. Events may be attended individually as well for the following amounts:  Keynote lecture, $10; workshop, $20; dinner, $20. To register for Collins Lecture events, please contact Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon at (503) 221-1054 or www.emoregon.org.

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon is a statewide association of 17 Christian denominations including Protestant, Roman Catholic and Orthodox bodies working together to improve the lives of Oregonians through theological education and dialogue, public policy advocacy and community ministry programs.

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