By Bishop Robert W. Finn
Bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph

 

October 27, 2006

PARISHIONERS throughout the diocese recently had an opportunity to see a DVD produced by the Christian Medical and Dental Association, part of the Coalition of Missourians Against Human Cloning . In the video presentation, various doctors and researchers explain why they oppose Amendment 2. These scientists are joined by lawyers, ethicists and a consortium of other professionals who reject the dubious science and legal distortions the amendment would enshrine in our Missouri Constitution.

 

The doctors and other health care professionals serve people every day. They care about patients, but they realize that science must have limits. We cannot directly take an innocent human life even if it will alleviate suffering or save another person's life. The fundamental moral principle is clear:  The end does not justify the means. Sadly, the proponents of Amendment 2 have chosen the theme of"hope for cures" as the primary argument to justify cloning human embryos, and then destroying frozen "in vitro" orcloned embryos for these biological experiments. To participate in or support this research is gravely immoral. To donate eggs for this destructive research is gravely immoral.

Thanks goes to so many of our priests and deacons who are teaching the truth about these issues and preaching against this, and many other laypeople who have been working so hard to organize our Kansas City-St. Joseph diocesan effort.

Did you know that if the amendment passes public funds will quickly be used for this research? Section 5 says that "No state or local government body or official shall eliminate, reduce, deny, or withhold any public funds provided or
eligible to be provided to a person that (i) lawfully conducts stem cell research,. or is otherwise associated with such research or therapies or cures." This would create a moral dilemma for us as taxpayers whose money would go to fund this destruction. It also takes the budget proposal and approval function away from the executive and legislative branch of government!

I'm not sure those in elected office fully realize that they will have no regulatory power whatsoever over this biotech industry. I'm not sure those in the business community realize that their "colleagues" in the research business will be immune from anything other than minimal self-regulation.

Many doctors and scientists are opposing this proposal. As we draw so close to the vote, I would welcome endorsements from other experts and professionals in fields of law, government, business, science, health care and journalism. It is not too late to stand up for the real victory of life, and to actively oppose this billionaire effort to change the constitution. Put up a sign, make a donation to the effort, take an ad, make your voice heard.

In a recent series of ads, our local Catholic hospitals, part of Carondelet Health, have publicly and clearly sided with the church's teaching on the beginning of human life, and the rejection of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) as cloning. As a scientific agency dedicated to the care and healing of patients, they have said correctly that the destruction of "leftover" IVF human embryos is contrary to Catholic moral teaching. The ads further highlight our common commitment to adult stem cell research which shows much success and continued promise.

I am grateful to St. Joseph Medical Center and St. Mary's Medical Center for this strong affirmation of the church's opposition to Amendment 2. I welcome more public statements or initiatives from our other local Catholic institutions that would show support for the church's teaching and oppose the serious dangers that are inherent in the proposals being put before voters. It is not too late to stand up.

Regardless of what happens in November, Jesus Christ has already won the victory of life.  It is our role to make this clear choice for life known in the world and to extend Christ's kingdom by making it a reality in our culture. Voters will make their decision very soon. When you stand before Him on the last day, whose side will you be on?

Mary Queen of the Rosary and Mother of Life, Pray for us! St. Joseph, guardian of the Church, Pray for us!