Missouri Bishops ask for Preaching, Education on Human Cloning and Stem Cell Research

October 28, 2005, JEFFERSON CITY, MO – In light of a recent ballot initiative to permanently legalize and fund human cloning in Missouri, the bishops of Missouri have devised a program to educate Catholics on this serious issue. At all Masses on the first weekend of Advent (November 26 and 27), Missouri’s Catholic bishops are asking all priests and deacons to preach on the moral issues raised by human cloning and embryonic stem cell research. Each parish is also asked to conduct an educational program during the week of November 28 th designed to present the scientific, moral and ethical issues presented by this proposal.

“Human cloning and embryonic stem cell research advocates are putting together a well-funded campaign to promote this morally reprehensible science,” said Deacon Larry Weber, Executive Director and General Counsel of the Missouri Catholic Conference. “There is a lot of information out there that is designed to confuse the average person and dupe them into believing that pro-life Missourians should support the killing of innocent human for scientific research.”

In responding to the need for accurate information the bishops of Missouri have asked the Missouri Catholic Conference to put together an educational program to assist Catholics in understanding the science and morality surrounding human cloning and stem cell research. The program is designed to be facilitated by persons without a scientific background, and covers the moral issues raised by this proposed constitutional amendment.

Serving the Gospel of Life: A Resource for People of Faith In Responding to the Embryonic Stem Cell Research Debate discusses the science of human cloning and the Church’s position regarding stem cell research. Designed for use in small group discussions the program was created by Sister Jeanne Christensen RSM, Director of the Peace & Justice Office in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and Dr. Don Emge, Director of the Office of Social Ministry in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. This resource provides a facilitator’s guide and participants packet. These can be obtained by contacting your diocesan pro-life office. Packets can also be downloaded in PDF format from the Missouri Catholic Conference website at www.mocatholic.org. Simply click on the “Stem Cell and Human Cloning” icon to link to the information.

Each diocese has knowledgeable speakers available to visit parishes and offer comprehensive talks on the science and moral issues regarding human cloning and embryonic stem cell research. Pastors and pro-life coordinators are encouraged to contact their diocesan pro-life office to arrange for an educational seminar at their parish.

Missouri Catholics are also encouraged to view the DVD Cutting through the Spin on Stem Cells and Cloning featuring Fr. Tad Pacholczyk a neuroscientist and Director of Education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center. Fr. Tad breaks down this complex issue into language that the non-scientist can easily understand. The DVD is available by calling toll-free (877) 773-4481 or it can be ordered on-line through the Donum Vitae Center for Bioethics.

There are several websites offering a large array of information on stem cells and human cloning. To view websites that provide a balanced view of the subject and are in keeping with the Church’s teaching visit the Missouri Catholic Conference website at www.mocatholic.org and click on the icon “Stem Cell and Human Cloning” Info.

"The Missouri bishops are unanimous on this issue," said Bishop Robert W. Finn of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. "This is a very significant life issue. It’s cloning. That’s all there is to it."