Setting the record straight on the church

In the April 12 Fence Post, R.P. Harrison asserts that the Catholic Church opposes stem cell research. That is incomplete and misleading information.

Actually, the church approves of stem cell research using adult stem cells and umbilical cord stem cells. It is only embryotic stem cell research that the church condemns because that requires the destruction of viable embryos.

Harrison further states that we heard little from Cardinal George regarding stem cell research during the Bush presidency. That is because President Bush also opposed the use of embryotic stem cells. Harrison also critized the Cardinal for condemning the arrest and deportation of illegal aliens.

Unlike armchair critics, countless priests, nuns and lay people who work with the disadvantaged across our country know first-hand the problems illegal immigrants face both here, where unscrupulous employers often take advantage of them, and in their poverty-stricken home countries. Those problems are compounded when families are split up. The church recognizes the need for comprehensive immigration reform and believes it should be done in a humane manner.

Lastly, Harrison throws in the now all-purpose slap at the church over its handling of the sexual abuse issue. While no one defends the church's woefully mishandling of abusive priests in the past, many steps have been taken to prevent abuse in the future and to handle new caes, should they occur. As a church volunteer who works with children, I have had to submit to a background check, attend a workshop addressing the recognition and prevention of child sexual abuse, and take continuing lessons via computer.

I know of no such requirements in the public schools, gyms or other churches where child sexual abuse can also occur. Even the biggest cynics should recognize that the church would work to eradicate this problem, if only for financial reasons.

Pat Moran

Mount Prospect