The 6° Colloquium of the International Association of Catholic Bioethicists
Seventy international bioethical experts – philosophers, theologians and care providers – met in Rome to participate in the 6th Colloquium of the International Association of Catholic Bioethicists (IACB), promoted by the Order of Malta. The theme of this year’s appointment, held from 9 to 14 June, was “Supporting and Caring for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Ethical Reflections and Practical Considerations”.
The aim of the Colloquium was to produce a consensus statement for promoting reflection, from a Christian perspective, on issues of a moral, pastoral and theological nature regarding the support and care of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants will also provide helpful guidelines for families and care providers, together with recommendations for public and private health services and pastoral care institutions.
“Our world would certainly be better if we welcomed persons with disabilities into our lives and communities with genuine respect for their freedom,” asserted William F. Sullivan, member of the Order of Malta’s Canadian Association, director of IACB and organizer of the Colloquium.
Participation and inclusion were the key words of this sixth edition of the Colloquium, expressed not only on paper but also with facts. A case in point was the presence of Kareem Elbard, a young Canadian with intellectual and developmental disabilities, personally involved in fighting for the recognition of his rights and of those like him who are striving to find a place in society.
The meeting was an opportunity to learn about personal stories and professional experiences in a climate of impartiality and openness, as Father Scott Borgman, secretary of the Pontifical Academy for Life, commented: “What struck me most during the conference was not only its spiritual dimension but also the informal exchanges among people in a harmony of competences and knowledge.”
For Albrecht Boeselager, Grand Hospitaller of the Sovereign Order of Malta, «the topic of the Colloquium this year is particularly significant, since we have many projects and activities involving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Order of Malta has always placed bioethical issues at the centre of its work to maximise human dignity».
The activities organized for the five days included an encounter with the Grand Master of the Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing in the Magistral Villa in Rome and the participation in Wednesday’s general audience with Pope Francis.
The IACB was founded In 2005 by a group of bioethicists from around the world with the support of various national associations of the Order of Malta. The IACB convenes bi-annual international colloquia that have engaged some 350 participants from over 40 countries. Their purpose is “to promote and foster cooperation among Catholic bioethicists, with a concern especially for those who are marginalized or vulnerable”.
