»... nur in wenigen Fragen Eindeutigkeit oder gar Einstimmigkeit«

The article reconstructs the course of contemporary bioethical opinions issued by the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD). According to the applied method of »affirmative genealogy« (H. Joas) a clear shift has turned out from 2002 to 2008: from a preferential pro-life approach to a more comprehensive approach of offering space for controversies, of taking the difference between law and ethics more seriously and of amplifying equity in bioethical decision making processes. The »affirmative genealogy« of EKD's bioethical opinions is embedded in general considerations on the peculiarity of bioethical debates and in those on expectations the churches have to meet if they are willing to take part in these discussions. Against the background of the presented genealogy conclusions will be drawn on a recent EKD-opinion on PGD-regulation.