Another potential stumbling block for Rebrikov and his backers is the Russian Orthodox Church. Key scientists have been quietly sounding out leading clerics to gauge the level of pushback, if any, they can expect if the experiment goes ahead. So far, they’re not getting much, a person familiar with the matter said.
The Moscow Patriarchy published a “preliminary” position on its website in June saying that while genetic editing has the potential to prevent inherited afflictions, the procedure should be prohibited if an embryo’s viability is threatened. The church is urging members to submit their own opinions by Sept. 30.
For Rebrikov, anything short of outright condemnation by the priesthood is a step in the right direction.
“What we do is God-pleasing,” he said in early September. “We heal, just like Jesus did.”
When asked if he had any final comments for this story, Rebrikov said he's taking a break from speaking to the media. He wouldn't say why.
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https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/06/21/733782145/a-russian-biologist-wants-to-create-more-gene-edited-babies
A Russian Biologist Wants To Create More Gene-Edited Babies
https://americanmilitarynews.com/2019/07/russian-biologist-welcomes-backlash-over-his-plan-for-gene-edited-babies/
Russian biologist welcomes backlash over his plan for gene-edited babies