The last issue of "Catholic San Francisco" our Archdiocesan newspaper had an atrociously ill-informed article (PDF: 8MB) about embryonic stem-cell research, and the Catholic arguments against it.
This week, in the "Letters" section, two extremely well informed Catholics set the record straight. We reproduce their letters here in full.
"I am writing to express profound disappointment with the Feb. 15 front-page article regarding the stem cell conference at Dominican College.
First, the article itself is ideologically biased from the perspective of embryonic stem cell advocates. Frankly, it read like a promotion of the Institute of Regenerative Medicine; the Institute was put in place by Proposition 71, against which the California Catholic Conference of Bishops (including the San Francisco Archdiocese) campaigned tirelessly in the 2004 election.
Second, it was devoid of the Church’s well reasoned moral argument against destroying nascent human life for the purpose of furthering scientific technology.
In short, we oppose feeding off of (i.e. killing) our young to prolong our own existence. The existence ordained by God to new life is not ours for the foraging. The unborn, regardless of their point in the gestational path, are not fodder for the petri dishes of scientists who want to be their own gods. (Interestingly, the article was revealing about the real objective of scientists who are obsessed with embryonic stem cell research; they want to be able to create life, to be their own gods; cures are ancillary to the process.)
Third, the article was also devoid of scientific facts about embryonic stem cell research, namely that this research holds no promise for anyone who is alive today. The research is so problematic and unpromising that no venture capitalists will fund it, thus the push for taxpayer funding. Also, over 73 diseases are being treated with adult stem cell therapies. Adult stem cell research is wildly successful yet does not require the destruction of human life. In fact, every time we hear about a success in stem cell research, it is an adult stem cell therapy. Where was this fact in the article?
Finally, where was the Church’s counter-point in this article? Why was Vicki Evans, Respect Life coordinator for the Archdiocese, who is very well versed on the topic, not interviewed? As a person who has worked hard (as a volunteer on behalf of the Church) to dispel the propaganda put forth by scientism and the mainstream media about the scientifically inaccurate “virtues” of embryonic stem cell research, this article was a slap in the face. I look forward to a correction in the upcoming Catholic San Francisco.
Dolores Meehan
San Francisco
and:
I don’t know if I am more disappointed with Dominican University of California (self-described as a “university of Catholic heritage” in San Rafael) that held a conference showcasing people involved with destruction of human life and cloning for scientific research, or with the ethically neutral reporting of it in Catholic San Francisco (Feb. 15).
The article unwittingly makes a case for continued destruction of human life in its most vulnerable stage – a stage of life that every human person goes through without exception.
At one point, seven paragraphs in a row supported the need for experimentation and destruction of human embryonic life followed by a weak mention of Catholic teaching about human life qualified by “Catholic natural lawthinking argues . . .” and “Catholic thinkers urge scientists to use adult sources . . ..” There is nothing to think about. It is a matter of understanding the magisterium.
It is a scientific fact that from the moment of conception, there is a unique unrepeatable human life, genetically different from his or her parents – yes, “his” or “her”, not “its”. Every human life has equal value and dignity whether strong or weak, able or disabled, conscious or unconscious, embryo or elderly. Why? Because God creates each in his image and likeness.
In addition, there was the unanswered quote from a secular “bioethicist” who said, “You have big people who are here with their diseases, and then you have . . . embryos”. “. . . [The embryo] is not self-conscious.” It might have been nice to mention it is a matter of social justice that “big people” take care of little people. They don’t kill them for private interests because they are weak and are not conscious. Domination of the poor, weak and vulnerable by the wealthy, strong and powerful is always wrong.
The article wrongly leaves the impression that stem cells generated from human eggs are ethical as long as embryos are not involved. Harvesting human eggs is a dangerous and painful process. It is an assault on the dignity of women, particularly poor women, too easily coerced into selling their eggs and jeopardizing their health. Women in the third world would be the most vulnerable, but then we have these “big people” – rich and powerful.
It is sad that some of the best-informed people in the country on this subject sit right down the hall from Catholic San Francisco in the chancery office, and were apparently not consulted. In addition, there are many competent and well-informed laity, religious and clergy in our Archdiocese who could have contributed a rebuttal from a Catholic perspective. The misunderstandings in the article demonstrate how complex the issues are regarding ethical and unethical stem cell research. Ethical alternatives have provided cures and treatments for almost 80 diseases compared to none from the unethical research. Catholic citizens who want to do the right thing are desperate for help in understanding the truth and what is at stake. This article did not help fill that need.
Bill May
Chairman, Catholics for the Common Good
San Francisco
Friday, February 29, 2008
Call to Action
The goals of this organization are spelled out in their charter. "Officers of the Church have the right to teach on matters both of private and public morality only after wide consultation with the faithful prior to the formulation.”
"All Catholics have the right to expect that Church documents and materials will avoid sexist language, and that symbols and imagery of God will not be exclusively masculine."
"All Catholics have the right to a voice in all decisions that affect them, including the choosing of their leaders."
"All Catholics, regardless of canonical status (lay or clerical), sex or sexual orientation, have the right to exercise all ministries in the Church for which they are adequately prepared, according to the needs and with the approval of the community."
This blatant call for women's ordination is repeated in Article 26: "All Catholic women have an equal right with men to the resources and the exercise of all the powers of the Church."
They want to be the ones who ultimately hold power at the top. For example, they want their own Supreme Tribunal whose job would be to hear cases charging illegal or unconstitutional actions.
At a Call to Action conference, attendees were asked by a journalist what motivates them and why they don't just leave the Church if they dislike it so much. A typical response revealed the true reason dissenters stay in the Church and are trying so hard to change it:"The Church has absolutely no right to make us feel guilty about activities that our consciences tell us are moral."
You see, they know that if they leave the Church, they will be nothing special-just another gaggle of splinter groups in the great world supermarket of churches. But like parasites, they seek to drain the "host" of its vitality for their own purposes. Also like parasites, the dissenters have gradually burrowed their way into the very structure of the Church. (Adapted from an article by Karl Keating.)
"All Catholics have the right to expect that Church documents and materials will avoid sexist language, and that symbols and imagery of God will not be exclusively masculine."
"All Catholics have the right to a voice in all decisions that affect them, including the choosing of their leaders."
"All Catholics, regardless of canonical status (lay or clerical), sex or sexual orientation, have the right to exercise all ministries in the Church for which they are adequately prepared, according to the needs and with the approval of the community."
This blatant call for women's ordination is repeated in Article 26: "All Catholic women have an equal right with men to the resources and the exercise of all the powers of the Church."
They want to be the ones who ultimately hold power at the top. For example, they want their own Supreme Tribunal whose job would be to hear cases charging illegal or unconstitutional actions.
At a Call to Action conference, attendees were asked by a journalist what motivates them and why they don't just leave the Church if they dislike it so much. A typical response revealed the true reason dissenters stay in the Church and are trying so hard to change it:"The Church has absolutely no right to make us feel guilty about activities that our consciences tell us are moral."
You see, they know that if they leave the Church, they will be nothing special-just another gaggle of splinter groups in the great world supermarket of churches. But like parasites, they seek to drain the "host" of its vitality for their own purposes. Also like parasites, the dissenters have gradually burrowed their way into the very structure of the Church. (Adapted from an article by Karl Keating.)
Monday, February 25, 2008
Walk for Life West Coast Video
The folks over at Walk for Life West Coast have posted some great new links with video and pictures of the 2008 "Walk".
This EWTN "Life on the Rock" video is my current favorite.
This EWTN "Life on the Rock" video is my current favorite.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Safe Sex?
The 400 women nationwide, who have filed lawsuits against the Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Co, maker of the birth control patch Ortho Evra, have learned that safe sex isn’t so safe when blood clots and other health problems result from the use of the patch.
Women, stop playing Russian roulette.
Women, stop playing Russian roulette.
"The Human Experience"
Speaking of life, death, and the destiny of man, Marcel over at Aggie Catholics has seen and reviewed "The Human Experience," the new movie by Grassroots Films, makers of "Fishers of Men" and "God in the Streets of New York." We posted about this film some time back. From Marcel's review:
"The makers of this film have done us all a favor. They have made a pro-life film, without ever talking about abortion, euthanasia or other pro-life issues. It is pro-life because it is pro-human. They have made a pro-Christ film without explicitly talking about Him. This is the kind of movie that can move anyone who sees it."
Please go to his site and read the whole review. The trailer for "The Human Experience" can be viewed there as well.
h/t Curt Jester.
"The makers of this film have done us all a favor. They have made a pro-life film, without ever talking about abortion, euthanasia or other pro-life issues. It is pro-life because it is pro-human. They have made a pro-Christ film without explicitly talking about Him. This is the kind of movie that can move anyone who sees it."
Please go to his site and read the whole review. The trailer for "The Human Experience" can be viewed there as well.
h/t Curt Jester.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Life vs Death
Jennifer F. said in response to our recent posting on National Condom Week:
“It is just stunning to what extent the concept of abstinence has been swept under the rug in the younger generations. If you have any interest, I wrote here about how the lies of contraceptive culture led me (and so many other people of my generation) to accept abortion.”
Her story is well worth reading.
“It is just stunning to what extent the concept of abstinence has been swept under the rug in the younger generations. If you have any interest, I wrote here about how the lies of contraceptive culture led me (and so many other people of my generation) to accept abortion.”
Her story is well worth reading.
Change-Hope
Political action buzz words today are “change” and “hope,” as we hear them repeated over and over. Clarion calls for a brave new world!”
Change is going to do it; hope is the answer!”
But for the life of me, I can not figure out what is being proclaimed. That seems to make no difference. The crowds at these rallies shriek approval and faint for joy. I pray we find out what we are hoping for and what changes actually will follow before Election Day.
We better pray that we get better than the leadership which looms on the horizon.But there is an antidote to the emptiness of these political rallies, and the consequences thereof.The Holy Father has expressed it often, but more recently in his Ash Wednesday words. (Quoted from Whispers in the Loggia)
Prayer, "the engine of the world" and the first weapon for winning the battle against evil, together with penance and fasting, characterize the period of Lent, which is "a providential occasion for making our hope more vibrant and firm." This is also accomplished through suffering, which opens the way to participating in the consolation of God....
Prayer, in the words of the pope, "nourishes hope, because nothing expresses the reality of God in our lives better than prayer with faith. Even in the solitude of the harshest trials, nothing and no one can prevent me from turning to the Father 'in the secret' of my heart, where He alone 'sees', as Jesus says in the Gospel (cf. Mt. 6:4,6,18)"
Lord, Save our country!
Change is going to do it; hope is the answer!”
But for the life of me, I can not figure out what is being proclaimed. That seems to make no difference. The crowds at these rallies shriek approval and faint for joy. I pray we find out what we are hoping for and what changes actually will follow before Election Day.
We better pray that we get better than the leadership which looms on the horizon.But there is an antidote to the emptiness of these political rallies, and the consequences thereof.The Holy Father has expressed it often, but more recently in his Ash Wednesday words. (Quoted from Whispers in the Loggia)
Prayer, "the engine of the world" and the first weapon for winning the battle against evil, together with penance and fasting, characterize the period of Lent, which is "a providential occasion for making our hope more vibrant and firm." This is also accomplished through suffering, which opens the way to participating in the consolation of God....
Prayer, in the words of the pope, "nourishes hope, because nothing expresses the reality of God in our lives better than prayer with faith. Even in the solitude of the harshest trials, nothing and no one can prevent me from turning to the Father 'in the secret' of my heart, where He alone 'sees', as Jesus says in the Gospel (cf. Mt. 6:4,6,18)"
Lord, Save our country!
USF Homosexual Activism Update II
Life in SF, or what our friends over at USF refer to as "the Gay Rome."*
A little while back we blogged about Fr. James Keenan, the (Jesuit) University of San Francisco's Summer 2008 "Scholar in Residence." We noted his testimony, on Catholic grounds, against a defense of marriage proposal in Massachusetts.
Today in the Denver Catholic Register, George Weigel explores this and other troubling issues facing the new Father General of the Jesuits:
"What will Father Nicolas do about Jesuits who are manifestly not obedient to the Pope or to the teaching authority of the Church? Take, for example, the case of Father James Keenan, S.J., of Boston College. Several years ago, Father Keenan testified before the Massachusetts Legislature, arguing that the principles of Catholic social doctrine did not merely tolerate “gay marriage,” they demanded it. That position is manifestly not “in communion” with the teaching of popes past and present on the nature of marriage; now what? "
You can read about Fr. Keenan at USF here. You'll find his entry right below the section about USF's March 10 "Human Rights Film Festival." One of the feautured films:
"FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO (USA, 2007, dir. Daniel Karslake)98 minutes, DVD, English. Can the love between two people ever be an abomination? Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity too wide to cross? Is the Bible an excuse to hate? Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Seattle International Film Festival, Dan Karslake's provocative, entertaining documentary brilliantly reconciles homosexuality and Biblical scripture, and in the process reveals that Church-sanctioned anti-gay bias is based almost solely upon a significant (and often malicious) misinterpretation of the Bible."
h/t Diogenes.
*For the origin of "the gay Rome" tag, listen to this q & a from the USF "Queer Perspectives" seminar, held at, where else, Most Holy Redeemer.
A little while back we blogged about Fr. James Keenan, the (Jesuit) University of San Francisco's Summer 2008 "Scholar in Residence." We noted his testimony, on Catholic grounds, against a defense of marriage proposal in Massachusetts.
Today in the Denver Catholic Register, George Weigel explores this and other troubling issues facing the new Father General of the Jesuits:
"What will Father Nicolas do about Jesuits who are manifestly not obedient to the Pope or to the teaching authority of the Church? Take, for example, the case of Father James Keenan, S.J., of Boston College. Several years ago, Father Keenan testified before the Massachusetts Legislature, arguing that the principles of Catholic social doctrine did not merely tolerate “gay marriage,” they demanded it. That position is manifestly not “in communion” with the teaching of popes past and present on the nature of marriage; now what? "
You can read about Fr. Keenan at USF here. You'll find his entry right below the section about USF's March 10 "Human Rights Film Festival." One of the feautured films:
"FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO (USA, 2007, dir. Daniel Karslake)98 minutes, DVD, English. Can the love between two people ever be an abomination? Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity too wide to cross? Is the Bible an excuse to hate? Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Seattle International Film Festival, Dan Karslake's provocative, entertaining documentary brilliantly reconciles homosexuality and Biblical scripture, and in the process reveals that Church-sanctioned anti-gay bias is based almost solely upon a significant (and often malicious) misinterpretation of the Bible."
h/t Diogenes.
*For the origin of "the gay Rome" tag, listen to this q & a from the USF "Queer Perspectives" seminar, held at, where else, Most Holy Redeemer.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Senator Sam Brownback Warns
It appears more and more likely that Barack Obama will be the Democratic nominee for President. Charisma and eloquence are nice qualities to possess, but this is not a man who is ready to be Commander-in-Chief. Look at some of his positions:
--Earlier this week, Obama voted against the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This would severely undermine our intelligence gathering capabilities in the war against radical Islamic extremists.
--Obama has voted against a bill protecting homeowners from being sued by burglars they shoot in their own homes.
--Obama would implement the largest tax increase in American history - by not making the Republican tax cuts permanent.
--Obama has voted against Illinois's version of the Born Alive Infant Protection Act. This act is designed to protect those babies who survive an attempted abortion.
The first of these four makes our homeland weaker. The second makes our Constitution weaker. The third, our economy weaker. And the fourth makes us all weaker. I don't know about you, but I will not stand idly by and watch this man and his radical leftist agenda get elected to our highest office. Let's just say that when Hillary Clinton is the more conservative Democrat, we should all be afraid!
Just as dangerous are the Democratic members of the House and Senate who agree with him. Teddy Kennedy is the Chairman of the Senate Health Committee. Barbara Boxer is the Chairman of the Senate Environment Committee. Barney Frank is Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. And Charlie Rangel is writing our tax code as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.
--Earlier this week, Obama voted against the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This would severely undermine our intelligence gathering capabilities in the war against radical Islamic extremists.
--Obama has voted against a bill protecting homeowners from being sued by burglars they shoot in their own homes.
--Obama would implement the largest tax increase in American history - by not making the Republican tax cuts permanent.
--Obama has voted against Illinois's version of the Born Alive Infant Protection Act. This act is designed to protect those babies who survive an attempted abortion.
The first of these four makes our homeland weaker. The second makes our Constitution weaker. The third, our economy weaker. And the fourth makes us all weaker. I don't know about you, but I will not stand idly by and watch this man and his radical leftist agenda get elected to our highest office. Let's just say that when Hillary Clinton is the more conservative Democrat, we should all be afraid!
Just as dangerous are the Democratic members of the House and Senate who agree with him. Teddy Kennedy is the Chairman of the Senate Health Committee. Barbara Boxer is the Chairman of the Senate Environment Committee. Barney Frank is Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. And Charlie Rangel is writing our tax code as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.
Folsom Street Fair Honored in Catholic Church
Yep, you read that right.
Just when we think we've reached the nadir, they dig deeper....
At the "Inter-Club Fund's" 42nd Annual Awards Dinner last Saturday at Most Holy Redeemer, the award for "Best Street Event--FOLSOM STREET FAIR"
And the winner of the "Entertainer of the Year"award was transvestite "Donna Sachet," shown here at a Catholic Charities CYO Fundraiser:
Quite a little party we've got going on in this Archdiocese...
Posted by Gibbons
Just when we think we've reached the nadir, they dig deeper....
At the "Inter-Club Fund's" 42nd Annual Awards Dinner last Saturday at Most Holy Redeemer, the award for "Best Street Event--FOLSOM STREET FAIR"
And the winner of the "Entertainer of the Year"award was transvestite "Donna Sachet," shown here at a Catholic Charities CYO Fundraiser:
Sachet is on the right, above. That's open lesbian Nanette Lee Miller on the left, Treasurer and Officer of the Board of Directors at Catholic Charities CYO, who also happens to be (surprise surprise) a parishioner of Most Holy Redeemer and a Member of the Most Holy Redeeemer
Quite a little party we've got going on in this Archdiocese...
Posted by Gibbons
Monday, February 18, 2008
Most Holy Redeemer Update
Sorry about the obscenity, but this story must be told.
The "Inter-Club Fund" held its annual Awards Dinner at Ellard Hall in Most Holy Redeemer Church last Saturday, February 16. They have held their awards dinners at MHR in the years 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, & 2008.
The photo below is of one of the "Alameda County Leather Corps 'Monks'" at the "Golden Gate Guards 2000 "Run." Both groups are members of the "Inter-Club Fund."
The MHR/Inter-Club Fund relationship has been known for a long time. The February 16, 2008 Awards Dinner has been publicized for months.
If they did know about it, why did they let it happen?
At many of the previous "Inter-Club Fund" Awards dinners, Assemblyman Mark Leno was in attendance. Not sure if he was there on Saturday. Mark Leno annualy sponsors legislation to legalize same-sex "marriage" in California. That's a "non-negotiable" issuse for Catholics. At MHR its probably "non-negotiable" too. From the other side.
Posted by Gibbons
The "Inter-Club Fund" held its annual Awards Dinner at Ellard Hall in Most Holy Redeemer Church last Saturday, February 16. They have held their awards dinners at MHR in the years 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, & 2008.
The photo below is of one of the "Alameda County Leather Corps 'Monks'" at the "Golden Gate Guards 2000 "Run." Both groups are members of the "Inter-Club Fund."
It is unbelievable that such an organization would be allowed to hold its events in the hall of a Catholic Church.
The "Inter-Club Fund" is an organzation made up of seven member clubs:
The "Inter-Club Fund" is an organzation made up of seven member clubs:
The Alameda County Leather Corps, and here. One of their "monks" is shown in the picture above.
The Defenders (an Affiliate of "Dignity USA" who call themselves a "Catholic leather club.")
The Golden Gate Guards, go here first, then here and here. The picture above was taken at their 2000 "run."
Did the Archdiocese know about this event? If not, why not?
The MHR/Inter-Club Fund relationship has been known for a long time. The February 16, 2008 Awards Dinner has been publicized for months.
If they did know about it, why did they let it happen?
At many of the previous "Inter-Club Fund" Awards dinners, Assemblyman Mark Leno was in attendance. Not sure if he was there on Saturday. Mark Leno annualy sponsors legislation to legalize same-sex "marriage" in California. That's a "non-negotiable" issuse for Catholics. At MHR its probably "non-negotiable" too. From the other side.
Posted by Gibbons
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
