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Bishop Michael F. Burbidge Asks Catholics to Become Informed on Stem Cell Issue
The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh, is asking the Catholic faithful in the diocese to become informed on the issue of stem cell research and prepare to join him in defeating a probable bill that will come before the North Carolina House of Representatives in early 2007.
Over the past two years, a House Health Subcommittee has been studying the question of funding embryonic stem cell research and allocating taxpayer money for stem cell research grants within the state. Through the efforts of several Pro-Life organizations, especially those connected with the Diocese of Raleigh, a pending proposal was significantly weakened that will be sent to the House of Representatives soon. The proposal states that the ethics of stem cell research must be incorporated into any discussion regarding its funding and did not include any recommendations regarding state funding of stem cell research. This was a significant victory but the more difficult challenge lies ahead once the General Assembly convenes this month.
In preparation for pending legislation that will likely recommend state funding, Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte, have sent a joint letter to all pastors in North Carolina urging them to acquaint their parishioners about the Catholic Church's teaching on stem cell research, especially those aspects which violate the Church's moral teaching.
To assist the pastors, a series of three statements are being provided to parishioners at Masses each of three weekends beginning the weekend of January 13-14. The bulletin inserts will explain the theology and science associated with stem cell research. The statements are titled "Introduction to the Ethics and Science," Myths and Facts of Stem Cell Research," and "A Call to Action."
"Introduction to the Ethics and Science" explains the Catholic teaching on the sacredness of human life, an explanation of stem cell science, the important distinction between 'embryonic stem cells' and 'adult stem cells' and the moral issues involved with embryonic research.
"Myths and Facts of Stem Cell Research" explores the falsehoods reported by proponents of embryonic stem cell research and provides factual information on related issues such as cloning, including the procedure known as somatic cell nuclear transfer.
The third statement, "A Call to Action," advises Catholics in both dioceses to be prepared to be called to action by Bishop Burbidge and Bishop Jugis "to help defeat this legislation that would destroy innocent human life." Catholics will be asked to contact their representatives to voice concerns and objections to taxpayer funding of embryonic stem cell research.
The three statements are available in the Respect Life page on the diocesan site at http://www.dioceseofraleigh.org/how/respect_life/ and at the links below.