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Bishops issue pastoral letter on stem cell research

By Sam Lucero
Compass Staff

GREEN BAY -- In a pastoral letter issued April 29, the Catholic bishops of Wisconsin expressed their support for stem cell research that does not destroy human embryos. They urge citizens to study the ethical issues of stem cell research and understand the church's position on this controversial issue.

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The 1,058-word pastoral letter was released by the Wisconsin Catholic Conference, the bishops' public policy arm. In a news release accompanying the letter, John Huebscher, WCC executive director, said the pastoral letter is an educational effort and is not tied to any pending legislation or policy proposal.

"It reflects the bishops' commitment to advancing science wherever it upholds human life and dignity," said Huebscher.

Accompanying the pastoral letter are educational materials, including a four-page question-and-answer document and a 14-minute DVD. The materials are intended to inform Catholics on the science and ethics of stem cell research. They will be available to Catholic parishes and institutions across the state as part of a long-term educational effort.

The pastoral letter, titled "Serving All and Sacrificing None: Ethical Stem Cell Research," acknowledges that science and technology "present choices and questions never previously faced." The bishops state that Jesus' example and message are as relevant to this issue "as they were in the time of the apostles."

They note that Catholic teaching "is not an example of faith absent science, but rather faith supported by science."

The pastoral letter offers the church's position on stem cell research.

"The church supports stem cell research whenever it does not involve destroying human embryos," write the bishops.

"Adult stem cells found, for example, in the amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood, bone marrow, and skin cells can be extracted without harming the donor, and they have already helped thousands of individuals suffering from serious ailments," they add.

The bishops conclude their letter reaffirming the church's respect for all human life.

"But we have a special duty towards the most vulnerable persons in our midst - the embryo and the unborn child, the chronically ill and the poor, the prisoner and the refugee."

The letter is signed by Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, archbishop of Milwaukee and administrator of the Diocese of Green Bay; Bishop Robert C. Morlino of Madison; Bishop Jerome E. Listecki of La Crosse; and Bishop Peter F. Christensen of Superior.

The pastoral letter and the question-and-answer document are available online as portable document files (PDFs) at www.wisconsincatholic.org.

According to the WCC, parishes have permission to print both documents and insert them inside parish bulletins.

The DVD is available to parish groups by contacting Norbertine Br. Steve Herro, diocesan social concerns director, (920) 272-8299. The DVD can also be viewed online at the WCC Web site.