Genetic Engineering Supporters Meet at the Vatican/ The Politics of Food Versus God
From May 15-19, the Pontifical Academy of Science is presenting a study week on the topic “Transgenic Plants for Food Security in the Context of Development.” Most of the speakers are internationally known as vehement supporters of agro-genetic engineering. Some of them are in close contact with genetic engineering companies or even work for these firms, such as, for instance, Eric Sachs of Monsanto, the worldwide biggest supplier of genetically modified seeds. So how did it come about that these supporters of genetic engineering are meeting in the Vatican?
Organization and leadership of these days of study is under the direction of Ingo Potrykus. He became famous as the inventor of “golden rice,” a genetically modified product that is supposed to counter a vitamin A deficiency. It recently made headlines in China and the USA as a result of questionable testing on children and adults. The majority of the board from the Golden Rice Project will now gather together there.
In November of 2000, Pope John Paul II spoke out against the release of GMOs. During a mass attended by approximately 50,000 farmers, the pope stated that the use of genetically modified plants to increase crop yields is against the will of God. But apparently, the Vatican has now changed its mind.
Toward the end of 2003, there was a conference at the Vatican on the topic of genetic engineering. It was organized by the “Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.” Its president is known as a proponent of GM technology and during the conference he urged the use of genetically modified food to help find a solution to the world-hunger problem, which he called a paramount goal of the Vatican.
Of course, one question would be whether the Vatican would be willing to haul its gold bars out of the cellar and give them to the hungry. Then the people would have everything they need.
In any case, things have gone so far that the “Pontifical Academy of Sciences” invites supporters of genetic engineering from research and science to the Vatican gardens. This is a clear signal to the global public.
One solution to this dilemma would be to ask all GM proponents to eat only GM foods for 2 or 3 years. Perhaps then, we could see more clearly whether GM products are good for all people. Furthermore, most GMO proponents are Christian. And yet, we can read in the Bible, the following story of creation: “And God saw everything that he had made and behold, it was very good.” (Gen. 1:30.31) So, if it was good, why do we now have to improve it?
Can it be that genetic engineering is not meant to improve God’s creation, but to serve the profit drive of certain large companies? But then why is the Vatican now helping this effort?
For more information go to www.Universal-Life.cc or call 1-800-846-2691.