Representatives of the SOC participate in a public debate regarding draft versions of the law suggested by Ministry of health

 Today, on March 6, 2009 , by the decision of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the vicar of His Holiness Patriarch Pavle of Serbia, Bishop Atanasije of Hvosno, participate along with deacon Dr Petar Dabic, in a public debate about draft versions of the Law on organ transplantation, a draft proposal of the Law on tissue and cell transplantation, a draft version of the Law on biomedical fertility treatment and a draft version of the Law on transfusion; which was held at the formal hall of the Institute for Public Health of Serbia - Dr Milan Jovanovic - Batut. After the speech of Tomica Milosavljevic, minister of health, Bishop Atanasije , on behalfof the Holy Synod of Bishops, pointed out that the Serbian Orthodox Church supports the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia in its efforts toupgrade and regulate legally this field of health, also emphasizing that the Church is open for responsible confrontation with all challenges and temptations of the present and that it is ready to help with its pastoral experience and wisdom. Deacon Dr Petar Dabic has greatly contributed to the theme owing to his knowledge of this field.

At this gathering it has been live and very constructive debate in which many professors, doctors and jurists took part and which specialty is medicine. Minister of health and most speakers expressed their personal gratitude to the Serbian Orthodox Church for participating in this important issue.