Statement
by
The Most Reverend John J. Myers, JCD, DD, Archbishop of Newark,
On Human Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer and Parthenogenesis Testing
The search for cures for debilitating and chronic diseases is a
noble and critical undertaking. Ethical efforts to seek solutions
to the physical and mental ailments affecting some of our sisters
and brothers rightly should be supported, in the hopes that society
can alleviate or ameliorate unnecessary pain and suffering.
But even with the hope that continued research brings, we as a people
of faith share one central belief: that the gift of life, in all
of its stages, is from God alone. And so yesterday’s announcement
that a biotechnology company has “successfully” cloned
embryos for research appears to take us as a society one step farther
down a chilling, disturbing path.
In attempting to usurp the role of the one true Creator, and to
re-create human embryos through in vitro production, these scientists
clearly demonstrate a lack of moral sensitivity to the sacred value
of human life. Their claim that they do not intend to clone human
life does not negate that they, indeed, are seeking to play God.
Nor can they provide safeguards to assure that others will not attempt
to go beyond their “self-imposed” limits. In this instance,
they act dangerously, not knowing the consequences.
I urge all people of faith, as well as our elected officials, to
acknowledge that these new steps have grave moral consequences,
and should be condemned. At the same time, we should continue to
provide support and encouragement for research that addresses our
critical health issues, using means that uphold the innate value
of our humanity.
 |
2000
News Releases |
