Another Catholic for Stem Cell Research
Folks, following up on the post below, here is a wonderful response from Frank Cocozzelli -- one of the true heros of the stem cell movement:
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I am a Roman Catholic who is confined to a wheelchair because of muscular dystrophy.
I can't hug my children, can't dress myself or go to the toilet or take a shower without help.
I go to Church every Sunday and often take Communion, yet, I watch Church leaders condemn John Kerry for supporting this vital research, and praising men such as George W. Bush and Rick Santorum--both of whom take huge amounts of tobacco lobby contributions.
Taking tobacco money certainly isn't pro-life!
As a Catholic, the Jesus I believe in is a Jew. Jesus never abrogated His belief in the Jewish concept of healing lives in danger of death, known as pikuach nefesh.
Jesus lived his life on Earth according to Torah.
Today's Jews, in studying the same Torah Jesus lived by, concluded it would be a sin not to do this research.
Furthermore, an embryo existing outside the womb is not a fetus. As such an embryo, before attaching itself to the uterine wall, can either split into two separate embryos or merge with another embryo to form a single embryo. Therefore until it becomes a fetus there is no certainty of an existing individual, the perquisite for ensoulment.
All three branches of Judaism, Islam, the Church of England, the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. as well as the United Church of Christ all support this research.
I know in my heart, Jesus has no problem with this research.
Just as Jesus healed through His ministry on Earth, so shall those who do this research.
Sincerely,
Frank L. Cocozzelli, Esq.
John Hlinko @ 08:43 AM
2 Comments
Comments
Wow! Quite an educated commentary. Well done Frankie!
Sep 18, 2008 7:39:04 PM
There's no doubt that this debate is intense. I thought you'd be interested in some public opinion. It's pretty clear that the public's attention to stem cell research has increased substantially (http://publicagenda.org/issues/red_flags_detail.cfm?issue_type=medical_research&list=3&area=2) since 2001, when the debated first broke into the news. While majorities say they support stem cell research, question wording can influence results, which suggests there is still some uncertainty on this question. For more public opinion on stem cell research, visit Public Agenda’s Issue Guide on Medical Research (http://publicagenda.org/issues/frontdoor.cfm?issue_type=medical_research).
Public Agenda is a nonprofit, nonpartisan group devoted to public opinion and public policy. Please visit www.publicagenda.org for more information.
Oct 27, 2006 10:24:40 AM