LANSING, Michigan, OCT. 3, 2007 (Zenit.org).- A packet of information about the Church's stance on stem cells is being delivered to every Catholic home in Michigan that's registered with a parish.
A letter signed by the state's diocesan bishops, a 12-minute DVD, and a brochure explaining the Church's support for adult stem cell research are being sent out as part of the Michigan Catholic Conference's "The Science of Stem Cells: Finding Cures and Protecting Life" campaign.
The conference foresees reaching 500,000 homes and nearly 800 parishes.
The Michigan Catholic Conference campaign comes as proponents of embryonic stem cell research seek to overturn the state's ban on research that involves the destruction of human embryos, the Detroit Free Press reported.
Paul Long, the vice president for public policy at the conference, said the central message of the statewide education program is the Church's support for adult stem cell research and opposition to research which involved destroying human embryos.
Real hope
Long told the Detroit Free Press that the campaign is intended to counter "the hype over embryonic stem cell research that has overshadowed the real hope" offered by adult stem cell research.
Long explained: "Medical science, along with people from different faith and political backgrounds, have recognized that human cloning and the destruction of living embryos for research purposes may not be the most promising way to move forward with stem cell research.
"Yet because of the great deal of attention given to unproven embryo destructive research, partly through misinformation and even deceit, necessary funding for and the promotion of adult stem cell research have been nearly nonexistent.
"Many people are unaware that adult stem cells are located throughout the human body and are providing treatments, even cures, without harming the donor person."
The bishops' letter included in the mailing said: "Catholics have the right and duty to assist all who are suffering, and medical science, through adult stem cell research and its proven track record of success, has opened a door of hope."
In addition to the household mailing, all parishes in Michigan are being encouraged to address the issue of stem cell research on Respect Life Sunday, Oct. 7.
ZE07100307 - 2007-10-03