Great column by Paul Long of the Michigan Catholic Conference on Adult Stem-Cell Treatments today.
Quote: "Carron Marrow, a 58-year-old mother of two from Alabama, who, after receiving adult stem cell treatments following a heart attack, stated: "I don't understand why we have this huge political mess going on about stem cells. I'm living proof that adult stem cells work far better than embryonic. I'm here to say: 'It saved my life.' "
And for a list of conditions treated by adult/cord blood stem cell vs. a those treated by embryonic stem cell "progress" go here.
Remind us again why California taxpayers shelled out $3billion+ for immoral unethical embryo destroying research that has yet to show a single cure, while adult & cord blood stem cells are curing people left and right?
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Pro-Life Film Festival in SF
The Respect Life Office of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Oakland and Ignatius Press, is inaugurating it's First Annual "Cinema Vita Film Festival."
The first Cinema Vita Festival will take place March 7, 2008. Submissions are currently being sought.
For submission guidelines and other information about the festival, go here.
The first Cinema Vita Festival will take place March 7, 2008. Submissions are currently being sought.
For submission guidelines and other information about the festival, go here.
That's Tolerance
Here are some excerpts from an article (Imposing Tolerance) by Fr. John Flynn, L.C. quoted in Monday’s edition of Zenit.org).
State laws on homosexuality are increasingly creating conflicts for Christians who wish to follow their conscience. In recent days, news came from England of a Christian couple who face being forced to give up their role as foster parents because they were not prepared to promote homosexuality…
An article published the same day by the Daily Mail newspaper added that the new laws are part of the Equality Act 2006, which make discrimination on the grounds of sexuality illegal. The change comes at a time when the Daily Mail said there is a critical shortage of foster parents, with an additional 8,000 needed….
The Daily Mail also warned that the new law will have widespread consequences. For example, a Christian printer will not be able to refuse producing material promoting homosexuality, and churches will not be allowed to refuse to rent out conference centers or parish halls to homosexual groups …
Then there was the case earlier this year in New Zealand, where a homosexual Iranian won asylum while another Iranian, a Christian, was denied the same status. According to a Feb. 9 report by the New Zealand Herald, the Refugee Status Appeals Authority allowed Ahmad Tahooni to stay, even though in his original appeal he had claimed asylum on political and not sexual grounds….Meanwhile, Thomas Yadegary, also Iranian, converted to Catholicism after arriving in New Zealand in 1994. He was arrested in November 2004 and his application for refugee status was rejected. Yadegary argued that Muslims who convert to Christianity face a potential death penalty in Iran…
That’s tolerance??
State laws on homosexuality are increasingly creating conflicts for Christians who wish to follow their conscience. In recent days, news came from England of a Christian couple who face being forced to give up their role as foster parents because they were not prepared to promote homosexuality…
An article published the same day by the Daily Mail newspaper added that the new laws are part of the Equality Act 2006, which make discrimination on the grounds of sexuality illegal. The change comes at a time when the Daily Mail said there is a critical shortage of foster parents, with an additional 8,000 needed….
The Daily Mail also warned that the new law will have widespread consequences. For example, a Christian printer will not be able to refuse producing material promoting homosexuality, and churches will not be allowed to refuse to rent out conference centers or parish halls to homosexual groups …
Then there was the case earlier this year in New Zealand, where a homosexual Iranian won asylum while another Iranian, a Christian, was denied the same status. According to a Feb. 9 report by the New Zealand Herald, the Refugee Status Appeals Authority allowed Ahmad Tahooni to stay, even though in his original appeal he had claimed asylum on political and not sexual grounds….Meanwhile, Thomas Yadegary, also Iranian, converted to Catholicism after arriving in New Zealand in 1994. He was arrested in November 2004 and his application for refugee status was rejected. Yadegary argued that Muslims who convert to Christianity face a potential death penalty in Iran…
That’s tolerance??
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Most Holy Redeemer: Good News!
It's often said that light is the best disinfectant.
That certainly seems to be true with the firestorm ignited by Archbishop Niederauer's inadvertantly giving communion to the two "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence" at MHR on October 7.
Reading my "Catholic San Francisco" newspaper this week, I couldn't avoid noticing how many "Letters to the Editor" (unsurprisingly, almost the entire letters section was given over to this subject) faulted those who publicized the sacrilege, instead of those who committed and abetted it.
But the now-famous video has already apparently had one excellent result: the s/m motorcycle club, the "Golden Gate Guards," have abruptly moved their scheduled November 17 Anniversary Party from Most Holy Redeemer to another location. Since every one of the "Golden Gate Guards" Anniversary Parties dating back to December 1, 2001 have been held at Most Holy Redeemer, and the "Golden Gate Guards" events calendar was changed on October 12, right after that video hit the web, a little cause and effect seems to be in operation.
Go to qdomine.com for links to a website (be sure to visit the site's entry page prior to clicking on the links) that hosts photos of some of the Golden Gate Guards Anniversary Parties held at MHR, and tell me it's not a good thing that such an event is no longer being held in a Catholic parish!
Posted by Gibbons J. Cooney
That certainly seems to be true with the firestorm ignited by Archbishop Niederauer's inadvertantly giving communion to the two "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence" at MHR on October 7.
Reading my "Catholic San Francisco" newspaper this week, I couldn't avoid noticing how many "Letters to the Editor" (unsurprisingly, almost the entire letters section was given over to this subject) faulted those who publicized the sacrilege, instead of those who committed and abetted it.
But the now-famous video has already apparently had one excellent result: the s/m motorcycle club, the "Golden Gate Guards," have abruptly moved their scheduled November 17 Anniversary Party from Most Holy Redeemer to another location. Since every one of the "Golden Gate Guards" Anniversary Parties dating back to December 1, 2001 have been held at Most Holy Redeemer, and the "Golden Gate Guards" events calendar was changed on October 12, right after that video hit the web, a little cause and effect seems to be in operation.
Go to qdomine.com for links to a website (be sure to visit the site's entry page prior to clicking on the links) that hosts photos of some of the Golden Gate Guards Anniversary Parties held at MHR, and tell me it's not a good thing that such an event is no longer being held in a Catholic parish!
Posted by Gibbons J. Cooney
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Free Speech
The American Center for Law and Justice sent me this notice, which should be known to all who treasure freedom of speech in the USA:
AmericansLiberals on Capitol Hill are getting nervous. They're desperately trying to silence the voice of their opposition.In fact, they'd like to replace freedom of speech with just that:SILENCE. And you and I are not only witnesses to their desperation ... we could be victims of it as well.
As we move into this critical year leading up to the national elections, the liberal faction of Congress is looking for any way possible to stifle the opposition and suppress opposing views.
Their answer? The so-called ''Fairness Doctrine.''
Our response? The Broadcaster Freedom Act.
Trying to reinstate the ''Fairness Doctrine'' (a regulatory policy which mandates that broadcasters provide equal coverage of controversial topics) is a slap in the face of our constitutional right to guaranteed free speech. It would stifle religious and conservative programming and force the liberal agenda back into the marketplace. But even more outrageous is the current attack brought by some in leadership in the House of Representatives - led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. House Speaker
Nancy Pelosi, along with other liberals, refuses to even bring the Broadcaster Freedom Act, a very deserving bill, to the floor for a vote. It's is an offensive show of power ... an attempt to strong arm left-wing liberalism into the laws of our land. The Broadcaster Freedom Act is an important piece of legislation that the ACLJ fully supports. It would strike down the Fairness Doctrine - and prohibit the FCC or any future President from attempts to resurrect it.
But Congressmen Mike Pence and Greg Walden aren't about to let these political games threaten your constitutional rights. They have instituted a procedure in the House known as a ''Discharge Petition.'' If they can get 218 member signatures on it, the leadership will be forced to schedule the bill for a floor vote. We must send a strong and united message to Speaker Pelosi and House liberals: As citizens of the United States of America, we fully expect our elected leaders to uphold and protect free speech. Do not allow a liberal faction of Congress to dangerously promote their agenda - unopposed.
Add your voice to this critical campaign and stand with the ACLJ in support of the Broadcaster Freedom Act ... and YOUR right to free speech!
AmericansLiberals on Capitol Hill are getting nervous. They're desperately trying to silence the voice of their opposition.In fact, they'd like to replace freedom of speech with just that:SILENCE. And you and I are not only witnesses to their desperation ... we could be victims of it as well.
As we move into this critical year leading up to the national elections, the liberal faction of Congress is looking for any way possible to stifle the opposition and suppress opposing views.
Their answer? The so-called ''Fairness Doctrine.''
Our response? The Broadcaster Freedom Act.
Trying to reinstate the ''Fairness Doctrine'' (a regulatory policy which mandates that broadcasters provide equal coverage of controversial topics) is a slap in the face of our constitutional right to guaranteed free speech. It would stifle religious and conservative programming and force the liberal agenda back into the marketplace. But even more outrageous is the current attack brought by some in leadership in the House of Representatives - led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. House Speaker
Nancy Pelosi, along with other liberals, refuses to even bring the Broadcaster Freedom Act, a very deserving bill, to the floor for a vote. It's is an offensive show of power ... an attempt to strong arm left-wing liberalism into the laws of our land. The Broadcaster Freedom Act is an important piece of legislation that the ACLJ fully supports. It would strike down the Fairness Doctrine - and prohibit the FCC or any future President from attempts to resurrect it.
But Congressmen Mike Pence and Greg Walden aren't about to let these political games threaten your constitutional rights. They have instituted a procedure in the House known as a ''Discharge Petition.'' If they can get 218 member signatures on it, the leadership will be forced to schedule the bill for a floor vote. We must send a strong and united message to Speaker Pelosi and House liberals: As citizens of the United States of America, we fully expect our elected leaders to uphold and protect free speech. Do not allow a liberal faction of Congress to dangerously promote their agenda - unopposed.
Add your voice to this critical campaign and stand with the ACLJ in support of the Broadcaster Freedom Act ... and YOUR right to free speech!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
The Problem is not the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence...
...it's Most Holy Redeemer Parish, and the failure to exercise rightful authority by the successive Bishops of San Francisco. By now we have all seen the video of Archbishop Niederauer giving communion to the two SPI's on October 7.
But the latest revelation from qdomine.com is in some ways even more shocking. The Church was hosting meetings of "leather (read S/M)" motorcycle clubs for over six years, and a photographer who chronicles such things was there taking photos. Remember, the things you see are taking place on church property.
http://www.qdomine.com/Morality_pages/MHR2.htm
The SPI's attending Mass could have been shrugged off as a one-time event (though obviously it wasn't) where everybody was caught by surprise, even though some parishioners are obviously familiar with and welcoming to, the SPI's. But these latest pictures show what was considered to be completely acceptable behavior taking place on Church property over at least the past six years. What the hell is our Archdiocese going to do about this?
Posted by Gibbons J. Cooney
But the latest revelation from qdomine.com is in some ways even more shocking. The Church was hosting meetings of "leather (read S/M)" motorcycle clubs for over six years, and a photographer who chronicles such things was there taking photos. Remember, the things you see are taking place on church property.
http://www.qdomine.com/Morality_pages/MHR2.htm
The SPI's attending Mass could have been shrugged off as a one-time event (though obviously it wasn't) where everybody was caught by surprise, even though some parishioners are obviously familiar with and welcoming to, the SPI's. But these latest pictures show what was considered to be completely acceptable behavior taking place on Church property over at least the past six years. What the hell is our Archdiocese going to do about this?
Posted by Gibbons J. Cooney
Safety Zones
Tonight the Oakland City Council’s Public Safety Committee will discuss a plan to establish “medical safety zones at abortion clinics.” The plan is to put an eight foot “safety bubble” around those coming to seek abortions.
Perish the thought that anyone would get close enough to someone seeking an abortion in order to save them from murdering the infant in their womb!
It’s being called an unnecessary intrusion in freedom of speech by ant abortion activists who seek to hand out literature. Those coming to the clinic are often ignorant of the total implications of what they are planning to do and have been dissuaded by the literature given them.
One escort at several Oakland clinics has said that the ordinance is “essential to women who are scared away from getting access to reproductive health care…This is a public safety issue. It provides a respect zone.”
Public safety? Not for the safety of the baby in the womb!
Respect zone? Where’s the respect for the baby in the womb!
Perish the thought that anyone would get close enough to someone seeking an abortion in order to save them from murdering the infant in their womb!
It’s being called an unnecessary intrusion in freedom of speech by ant abortion activists who seek to hand out literature. Those coming to the clinic are often ignorant of the total implications of what they are planning to do and have been dissuaded by the literature given them.
One escort at several Oakland clinics has said that the ordinance is “essential to women who are scared away from getting access to reproductive health care…This is a public safety issue. It provides a respect zone.”
Public safety? Not for the safety of the baby in the womb!
Respect zone? Where’s the respect for the baby in the womb!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Save the Children
There is an enlightening article by Paul Kengor on the Clintons and their abortion advocacy. His book God and Hillary Clinton, is published by HarperCollins.
The Clinton's God - National Catholic Resister:
“Hilary “scores a 100% rating from NARAL and a 0% rating from the National Right to Life Committee. While, like Bill, she is willing to compromise on numerous political issues, she will not budge on abortion. It is neither uncharitable nor inaccurate — nor name calling — to say that on the subject of abortion Hillary Clinton is fanatical.
“There is no issue that impassions her more. She has not changed her position on any meaningful life issue, from federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research to banning partial-birth abortions to supporting funding for ultrasound machines to backing legislation to protect babies injured in the womb by outside parties.
“But here is maybe the saddest part of her intransigence: As a lifelong committed Methodist, Hillary sees no contradiction in supporting abortion. Quite the contrary, she points to her church’s leadership as a source of guidance. …
“No president did as much to advance legalized abortion as Bill Clinton, who is now poised to be exceeded in that capacity only by his spouse, who has an exceedingly good chance of becoming our next president, and no doubt will be the Democratic Party’s nominee for 2008.”
The Clinton's God - National Catholic Resister:
“Hilary “scores a 100% rating from NARAL and a 0% rating from the National Right to Life Committee. While, like Bill, she is willing to compromise on numerous political issues, she will not budge on abortion. It is neither uncharitable nor inaccurate — nor name calling — to say that on the subject of abortion Hillary Clinton is fanatical.
“There is no issue that impassions her more. She has not changed her position on any meaningful life issue, from federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research to banning partial-birth abortions to supporting funding for ultrasound machines to backing legislation to protect babies injured in the womb by outside parties.
“But here is maybe the saddest part of her intransigence: As a lifelong committed Methodist, Hillary sees no contradiction in supporting abortion. Quite the contrary, she points to her church’s leadership as a source of guidance. …
“No president did as much to advance legalized abortion as Bill Clinton, who is now poised to be exceeded in that capacity only by his spouse, who has an exceedingly good chance of becoming our next president, and no doubt will be the Democratic Party’s nominee for 2008.”
"The Culmination of Years of Dissent"
More on Most Holy Redeemer and the Archbishop:
Diogenes offers a thought experiment.
And at Spero News Joni Durling makes the same points we've been making here, and here.
"This is not some new problem that suddenly appeared on October 6 (sic), 2007. This is the culmination of years of dissent in the parish of Most Holy Redeemer.
Archbishop Niederauer has missed the golden opportunity to educate
the laity of his diocese regarding the teachings of the Church on homosexuality."
Posted by Gibbons J. Cooney.
Diogenes offers a thought experiment.
And at Spero News Joni Durling makes the same points we've been making here, and here.
"This is not some new problem that suddenly appeared on October 6 (sic), 2007. This is the culmination of years of dissent in the parish of Most Holy Redeemer.
Archbishop Niederauer has missed the golden opportunity to educate
the laity of his diocese regarding the teachings of the Church on homosexuality."
Posted by Gibbons J. Cooney.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Stem-Cell Update!
A while back, Fr. Malloy posted to a Zenit story about the Michigan Catholic Conference's very impressive new statewide stem-cell educational program.
Now the Conference's package is online. It is a fantastic resource that addresses basic questions such as "What is a stem-cell?" and also the differences between adult/cord-blood stem-cells and embryonic stem cells. It lists the various conditions treated by adult/cord blood stem-cells (lots) vs. those conditions treated by embryonic stem-cells (zero). Theres is also video and an excellent brochure clearly outling church teaching on the subject. And for those who want to pursue the subject more deeply, there is a 16 page guide to peer-reviewed literature on the subject.
Posted by Gibbons J. Cooney
Now the Conference's package is online. It is a fantastic resource that addresses basic questions such as "What is a stem-cell?" and also the differences between adult/cord-blood stem-cells and embryonic stem cells. It lists the various conditions treated by adult/cord blood stem-cells (lots) vs. those conditions treated by embryonic stem-cells (zero). Theres is also video and an excellent brochure clearly outling church teaching on the subject. And for those who want to pursue the subject more deeply, there is a 16 page guide to peer-reviewed literature on the subject.
Posted by Gibbons J. Cooney
MHR: Outrage is not "Overblown", it's Overdue.
Given what goes on regularly at Most Holy Redeemer parish, one can understand Fr. Steven Meriwether's complaint that the outrage over Archbishop Niederauer giving communion to the two SPI's as "overblown."
After all, as qdomine.com has reported: Just a week before the Archbishop's visit, the parish had hosted a drag queen beauty pageant, with no objection from the Archdiocese.
And on June 24, MHR made its annual appearance at the Gay Pride parade, with no objection from the Archdiocese.
And on April 29, MHR hosted a "Gay Service" broadcast worldwide on the BBC, with no objection from the Archdiocese.
And on February 17, MHR hosted "Awards Night" for the "Inter-Club Fund" a leather (read S/M) motorcycle club, who are big fans of that foretaste of hell, the Folsom Street Fair, with no objection from the Archdiocese.
And on Jaunary 27, the members of the MHR Young Adult Group were presented as debutantes at the "SF Transgender Cotillion" with no objection from the Archdiocese.
And this was just in 2007!
Yes, given the tolerance of these activities, it's no wonder Fr. Meriwther is surprised that a little thing like giving the Holy Eucharistic to church-mocking transvestites might be considered out-of-bounds. Apparently, nobody ever told him there were any bounds.
Posted by Gibbons J. Cooney
After all, as qdomine.com has reported: Just a week before the Archbishop's visit, the parish had hosted a drag queen beauty pageant, with no objection from the Archdiocese.
And on June 24, MHR made its annual appearance at the Gay Pride parade, with no objection from the Archdiocese.
And on April 29, MHR hosted a "Gay Service" broadcast worldwide on the BBC, with no objection from the Archdiocese.
And on February 17, MHR hosted "Awards Night" for the "Inter-Club Fund" a leather (read S/M) motorcycle club, who are big fans of that foretaste of hell, the Folsom Street Fair, with no objection from the Archdiocese.
And on Jaunary 27, the members of the MHR Young Adult Group were presented as debutantes at the "SF Transgender Cotillion" with no objection from the Archdiocese.
And this was just in 2007!
Yes, given the tolerance of these activities, it's no wonder Fr. Meriwther is surprised that a little thing like giving the Holy Eucharistic to church-mocking transvestites might be considered out-of-bounds. Apparently, nobody ever told him there were any bounds.
Posted by Gibbons J. Cooney
Thursday, October 18, 2007
When all else fails, blame the messenger....
seems to be the latest take from our Archdiocese on the Archbishop Niederauer/ Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence/ Most Holy Redeemer event.
One question: the Archbishop celebrates Mass every Sunday at the Cathedral. If the SPI's "wanted an opportunity to welcome the Archbishop to San Francisco" as they claim, why did they wait 18 months until the day he celebrated Mass at Most Holy Redeemer?
Update:
Diogenes & American Papist weigh in.
Posted by Gibbons J. Cooney
One question: the Archbishop celebrates Mass every Sunday at the Cathedral. If the SPI's "wanted an opportunity to welcome the Archbishop to San Francisco" as they claim, why did they wait 18 months until the day he celebrated Mass at Most Holy Redeemer?
Update:
Diogenes & American Papist weigh in.
Posted by Gibbons J. Cooney
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