26 March 1997
50 activists from the environmental
protection organisation Greenpeace today demonstrated in and around
Cologne Cathedral against genetic manipulation of living creatures.
Greenpeace members climbed up the exterior of the two towers of the
Cathedral, attaching a banner with the words
"Man is not God - down with genetic manipulation".
Greenpeace also handed out leaflets to visitors to the Cathedral
Dear visitors to Cologne Cathedral and citizens of Cologne,
The international environmental organisation Greenpeace is at Cologne
Cathedral today to demonstrate against the genetic manipulation of
living creatures. Genetic engineering is becoming increasingly
prevalent particularly with agrochemical companies. Imports of
genetically manipulated soybeans from the USA to Europe and the
planned cultivation of genetically engineered maize are just two
examples of this.
We trust that you will appreciate why we are here today:
The Greenpeace campaign is not directed against the religious feelings
of Christians. We respect the Cathedral as a place of faith, peace,
reflection and repose. Under no circumstances will we disrupt your
visit to the Cathedral. Instead, we will remain outside.
We also respect Cologne Cathedral as a historical and cultural
heritage. Accordingly, all precautions have been taken to prevent any
damage to this valuable building.
All Greenpeace activists stationed
here today have been instructed accordingly. Even so, we consider our
campaign to be important as genetically manipulated organisms
represent irreversible interference with nature. Altering animal and
plant genetic material is an affront to creation, disturbing the
intricate balance which has developed over million of years and which
ensures that genetic information is passed on from living creature to
living creature. This problem concerns all life on earth and all
people, Christians and Nonchristians.
