Parishioners oppose GM

By AINSLEY THOMSON

Catholic parishioners have formed a group to oppose the commercial release of genetically modified organisms, despite the Vatican's contrary view.

Parishioners from St Matthew's in Hamilton and St Patrick's in Oamaru formed Corpus Christi (Body of Christ) to fight the lifting of the GM moratorium.

Organiser Aubrey Hatfield, from Hamilton, said the group had support from 296 parishes throughout the country. More than 2000 parishioners had signed its petition.

"The fact that our altar wine and hosts [consecrated bread] may contain genetically modified grapes or wheat is a matter of grave concern," the group said.

The Vatican will soon publish a report on biotechnology that will not oppose the use of GM

The head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Archbishop Renato Martino, said the motivation was the need to eradicate poverty and hunger.

New Zealand Catholic bishops have taken a similar view.

In their submission to the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification, they said GM technology was not unethical.