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Cardinal: Pro-choice supporters worshipping false idols

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By BOB REEVES / Lincoln Journal Star

Saturday, Oct 20, 2007 - 04:59:59 pm CDT

People who support abortion, euthanasia and embryonic stem cell research are worshipping “modern-day false idols,” Cardinal Justin Rigali said in Lincoln Saturday.

“(They are) putting their faith in human ingenuity and technology,” rather than following God and moral principles, he told about 350 people attending the annual Nebraska pro-life convention.

Rigali, archbishop of Philadelphia and chairman of the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops Committee for Pro-Life Activities, was keynote speaker at the convention, which focused on the theme, “Rebuilding the Culture of Life.”

Story Photo
Cardinal Justin Rigalis (in red), archbishop of Philadelphia, speaks to seminarians from Saint Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward at a state-wide pro-life convention at The Cornhusker Marriott. (Gwyneth Roberts)

In his address and an interview with news media, the cardinal spoke extensively about misleading claims of proponents of embryonic stem cell research. Those who want to eliminate restrictions on the research talk about its potential to save lives, he said.

“The truth is that embryonic stem cell research to date has not produced one cure. This is not faith, this is science.”

Meanwhile, he said, supporters of embryonic research downplay the continual advancements in the use of adult stem cells and stem cells from umbilical cords and placentas rather than embryos.  

Opposition to embryonic research is not a religious position, but a moral stance based on scientific facts, Rigali said.  

“Science tells us that the child in the womb  is already formed,” he said.

Even an embryo has the full complement of DNA that make a human being, he noted.

He also talked about the incorrect concept of freedom espoused by those who support abortion choice.  

“Freedom of choice is invoked against the freedom of someone to be born,” he said in the interview.  “The most basic freedom is the freedom to exist, to live.”

That freedom, Rigali said, is denied when an unborn child in aborted.

“The cause of life cannot be served by destroying life,” he said in his speech.

Abortion is still a huge problem — more than 1.2 million abortions were performed last year in the United States alone — but statistics also show that both the number and rate of abortions is declining, he said.  Public support for legalized abortion is at an all-time low, with 44 percent of Americans saying they would support a ban on all abortions except to save the life of the mother, he said.

He also talked about what happened in June when the Philadelphia City Council voted 9-8 for a resolution naming Philadelphia as a “pro-choice city.”  Rigali said the resolution was promoted by Planned Parenthood but did not reflect the feelings of most citizens.

He immediately issued a statement opposing the resolution, and recorded his message on video for play on YouTube and other Internet sites. A groundswell of protest ensued, and the council voted 13-4 the following week to rescind the resolution.

“The City Council had mistaken evil for good, a modern-day form of idolatry,” Rigali said.

Greg Schleppenbach, Nebraska director of the Bishops’ Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities, said Rigali’s appearance marked the first time since 1990 that a cardinal addressed the convention. Cardinal John O’Connor of New York spoke at the convention in 1990, he said.

The purpose of the convention is to “not only to focus on what we call the culture of death, but also on the roots of it — the sociological roots in our culture,” he said.  

A major focus of Nebraska’s pro-life efforts is on giving young people a positive pro-life message “as part of our overall program to try to change the culture,” he said.

A series of pro-life advertisements produced by Virtue Media are scheduled to begin running on Nebraska television stations beginning in late December or January, Schleppenbach said.  To see the ads in advance, visit www.virtuemedia.com.

Reach Bob Reeves at 473-7212 or breeves@journalstar.com.


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Jerry C wrote on October 20, 2007 5:29 pm:
" So while people in the Bible Belt go back and forth about "is it according to religion" arguments (like they do everything) California has passed a three Billion dollar bond to get stem cell research going and is hiring the best brains from all over the world to develop it. Instead of putting up barriers to getting things done and progress, they move on things. This is exactly why Nebraska is a poor State with its only claim to fame is a football team thats not so good anymore. "

 Lincoln Catholic wrote on October 20, 2007 5:40 pm:
" It is an honor to have a Cardinal of the Catholic Church visit our city. Thank you Journal Star for covering this important and excellent conference! Thank you Cardinal Rigali for your visit. "

 connie wrote on October 20, 2007 6:22 pm:
" "Even an embryo has the full complement of DNA that make a human being, he noted."... Yeah, so does a cell from my butt. Science doesn't imbue fetal cells with any more 'personhood' than the cell from my butt and shame on the cardinal for implying that it does. Here's a quote; "With or without religion, good people can behave well and bad people can do evil-- but for good people to do evil -- that takes religion." Steven Weinberg, Nobel Laureate in Physics "

 Mindless Robot wrote on October 20, 2007 7:02 pm:
" Don't Catholics basically worship the Virgin Mary? "

 R. Ality Check wrote on October 20, 2007 7:06 pm:
" Excuse me. False idols. Give me a break. Catholicism is replete with idol worship. "

 HPG wrote on October 20, 2007 7:19 pm:
" As a fundamentalist Christian and a pro-lifer, I find it odd, that a member of the Catholic church is lecturing us on worshipping false gods as he perpetuates the doctrine that the only way to heaven is through belief in and practice of Catholic ideaology. "

 That's Right wrote on October 20, 2007 7:50 pm:
" Rigali is right, you know. "

 nemo wrote on October 20, 2007 8:52 pm:
" Nope. Rigali is wrong. "

 Joyce wrote on October 20, 2007 10:08 pm:
" "This is not faith, this is science." OK Cardinal, when the pope was shot, why was he taken to a place of science ( a hospital) and not a chucrh, ( a place of religion)? Do you pray for your high blood pressure to go down, or do you take pills? Give me a break. This is why Catholics are leaving the church in droves. "

 Proud of the truth wrote on October 20, 2007 10:25 pm:
" There are a few misguided statements in the comments on this story that I would like to clear up. First: an embryo is a baby human capable of sustaining life on his/her own with the proper care. The cell from connie's butt is not capable of being anything but a cell from connie's butt. Second: for those who believe Catholics worship Mary or the Saints, I hope you don't have any pictures of loved ones in your possession (that would mean you are worshiping them). We are simply honoring them, not worshiping them. Third: you would think that a fundamentalist Christian would be able to trace his/her religion all the way back to Jesus. Catholics can do just that whereas everyone else has to stop at the Reformation. Contrary to popular belief, speaking your mind only works when there is rational thought behind the statement. "

 Wondering wrote on October 20, 2007 10:28 pm:
" I have to wonder where the clergy gets their medical training? It seems they know more than many learned doctors. Let the Good Cardinal believe what he wants, but allow me my own personal freedom to decide what I want, even if it goes against HIS religion. "

 New York Baby wrote on October 20, 2007 10:50 pm:
" So is the Cardinal against death penalty? Keep murderers alive so they can be saved? Any place to find this out? "

 JJ wrote on October 20, 2007 11:02 pm:
" Everyone, Catholic and not should do some research into the stem cell debate before they form an opinion. You might be suprised at what you learn. Don't just get your information form a single source with an obvious adjenda. Step out on a limb and make a decision for yourself. (I am Catholic by the way) "

 ummm wrote on October 20, 2007 11:03 pm:
" How come Cardinal Rigali doesn't include fertility clinics in his list of modern day idolatries? Don't those embryos have a full complent of DNA? How are unwanted fertilized embryos in a dish any different from unwanted fertilized embryos in a uterus? "

 Oh, the Irony wrote on October 20, 2007 11:04 pm:
" Funny that embryonic stem cell research, which is barely financed, hasn't produced as many breakthroughs as processes that are heavily financed. Do these people really find shocking the cause and effect relationship between money/time and results? "

 peb wrote on October 20, 2007 11:11 pm:
" And since I'm not Catholic, what do I care . . . "

 Robert Wiles wrote on October 20, 2007 11:50 pm:
" This papist nonsense is dark ages crap. Cardinal Rigali's time would be better spent drumming up money for their sex-abuse legal slush fund instead of lecturing this doom and gloom. "

 Maureen wrote on October 20, 2007 11:51 pm:
" I have faith in technology because I develop technology. I have developed technology that has saved and prolonged existing lives. Anyone who believes in a creator who gave us free will and brains to observe and manipulate the world around us should also respect what technology has done to help us this far. To ignore technology is to condemn each person to death who has undergone surgery, taken life-saving antibiotics, or called 911. Even simple heating lamps and c-sections would be against the Cardinal's wishes if taken to the logical conclusion. Catholic Church: use the tools the Lord has given you and stop trying to control people. "

 disingenuous wrote on October 20, 2007 11:51 pm:
" "The truth is that embryonic stem cell research to date has not produced one cure." I'm troubled by this argument. It seems disingenuous. Will the Cardinal be ok with stem cell research once it starts being successfully used in medical treatments? It's still very much in the research stage, and it is only a matter of time. Won't it still be wrong then? If stem cell research is morally wrong, then whether or not it is effective should be irrelevant. "

 Pro-choice catholic wrote on October 21, 2007 12:19 am:
" I'm against abortion personally but support a woman's right to choose. So yes I am a pro-choice catholic. We may not be loud but there are more of us here than you think..... "

 andy wrote on October 21, 2007 3:14 am:
" "They are) putting their faith in human ingenuity and technology,” rather than following God and moral principles, " Yeah, put your faith in God and youwill sommehow be healed. What a laugh. Hello Cardinal, the human race has tried the God thing, didnt work, so lets move on past superstition and get on with reality. "

 fertility clinics wrote on October 21, 2007 5:33 am:
" As long a fertility clinics and couples who are using the clinic's services to create multiple fertilized eggs whose future is to be stored unused for a long time and then destroyed, then we have a use for those in stem cell research. And the reason their hasn't been a major cure of a disease with them is a) research has been hampered by restrictions and b) it does take time to get this kind of thing to the last stages of development. If everyone agrees that we will stop creating "extra" embryos - then maybe we'll decide to live without embryonic stem cell research. "

 Lauren wrote on October 21, 2007 7:42 am:
" It is ironic to note that all of the persons in the picture that accompanies this artile ar "men." Another example of the Roman Catholic priestly emphasis that only men can be clergy and that women should be subsurvient and reproductive according to the wishes of their men. Wow! What kind of idolatry is that! "

 WCG wrote on October 21, 2007 8:23 am:
" I think it's kind of funny that celibate old men want to tell women what they can do with their own bodies. I don't suppose this guy worries too much about rape or an unintended pregnancy, does he? And although the religious have gone nuts about this stuff, they really can't find much support in the Bible. In fact, in its 'eye for an eye' legal proscriptions, killing a woman's unborn child only gets a criminal fined. And for a thousand years, it was Catholic Church doctrine that a fetus didn't get a soul until blood vessels formed. Not that all this is anything but superstition anyway, but it's not even consistent superstition. I suppose the church found the issue great for publicity and recruitment, huh? (Sort of like divorce, which was just the reverse. Oops! We'd better invent annulment!) Well, it shouldn't matter anyway, because we have Freedom of Religion in this country - and, constitutionally, a strict separation between church and state. You can believe any wacko thing you want, but you're not supposed to force your beliefs on everyone else. Besides, when it comes to abortionists, your own 'God' is the king. Spontaneous abortions, and fertilized eggs that don't even get that far, are incredibly abundant - most of the time, without a woman ever knowing it. Pretty wasteful planning by the supposed 'Creator,' isn't it? "

 Hopefully... wrote on October 21, 2007 9:22 am:
" our children will pave the way to bring Nebraska out and away from these seasoned stubborn authoritive figures and move us forward already! Jerry left the first comment and thank god it's the first one people will see cause he summed it up good. "

 Mary Ann wrote on October 21, 2007 9:27 am:
" I'm sorry - I am just so frustrated with this article! How can anyone be so utterly stupid and believe this stuff!!!! "

 Heather wrote on October 21, 2007 9:35 am:
" More abortions = les smoney on childrens health plans/Medicaid... right? I would think those who support the Veto would certain become pro choice and help stop these child before they start to suck our tax dollars out of us. (please note my sarcasm and disbelief at those who claim to be Catholic and conservative) "

 If you respect life wrote on October 21, 2007 10:16 am:
" you ought to see to it that all the people alive today are taken care of before you start arguing about stem cells that could become lives. How many homeless do we have in our nation? and what are pro-life people doing to protect their lives? What about poor children whose only certain meal of the day is the one they eat at school? If you support life support the living. "

 Sara wrote on October 21, 2007 10:20 am:
" To the individuals who excercised their privilege to comment on this article, I invite all of you to explore the true elements of the Catholic faith. You all appear to be very educated people that pride yourselves on becoming fully informed before forming your opinion on a person, issue, or other matter in our society. So remember, you are welcome. "

 Tamika wrote on October 21, 2007 10:26 am:
" Everyone should read Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and keep this issue in mind. "

 Woman proud of her faith wrote on October 21, 2007 10:28 am:
" As a person who is very proud of her Catholic faith and the morals and beliefs behind it, I feel like some comments need clarification. First, as Catholics, we are against EMBRYONIC stem cell research, not all stem cell research. All the research that is being done with cord blood and adult stem cells is morally acceptable and supported by the Church. The difference is, babies are not being killed to better our lives. I was appalled to read Maureen's comments about the Church ignoring modern technology and condemning people to death. Antibiotics, heat lamps, and C-sections are NOT against the Church. Any medical treatment is acceptable within the teachings of the Church so long as an embryo (child) is not being killed as a result of the treatment. Maureen brought up that God gave us free will to use our brains. Yes, we should use our brains to better society, medicine, technology, etc. but we should also use our brians to protect those who are the most vulnerable: the unborn. "

 It baffles me wrote on October 21, 2007 11:02 am:
" It absolutely baffles me that this country (Nebraska specifically) spends so much time, money and energy FREAKING out about abortion and stem cell research. There are millions of children in this nation who lack the basic needs of survival like parents, a roof, food, medical care, and a safe place to go to school. I'd like to clarify that I have lots of wonderful Catholic friends, my issues are with the Catholic leadership. Would not the definition of pro-life be to take care of all those children who were born and need our help? Final food for thought: until we teach kids about sex......the abortion rate will not go down. Parents' are not doing their job and the state is not allowed to use the word "sex". Do the math. "

 DR wrote on October 21, 2007 11:13 am:
" When a woman is beatin and gang raped multiple times buy STD carring crack heads. I believe abortion is in order. If it is not a legal. It will start happening in basements and women will die. That is why its legal now anyway. I do not believe it should be abused for women who just change there mind and do not want the child. "

 Kaigon wrote on October 21, 2007 11:17 am:
" I can't help but get a chuckle at how he denounces 'human ingenuity and technology' as idol-worship, but then turns around and uses YouTube to help spread his message. "

 peb wrote on October 21, 2007 11:28 am:
" If you really think through the Catholic church's belief that the purpose of sex is for procreation . . . It really is a religion for men. Women get to experience childbirth and men get to experience pleasure. "

 t wrote on October 21, 2007 12:16 pm:
" Yes, the Catholic Church is against the death penalty, and it is likely Rigali adheres to that position. It isn't as big of a deal as some other life issues, but it is part of the Consistent Life Ethic. "

 Unity W. Doubt wrote on October 21, 2007 12:28 pm:
" You don't seriously believe that the catholic church actually began with Christ. You really have to stretch to make that fabrication have any semblance of acceptability to anybody except those indoctrinated with creative dogma. While you are at it, why don't you try counting the catholic ten commandments and comparing them with the ten commandments from the King James Version, or any other for that matter. What is missing from the catholic version? Idol worship (graven images). Think before you raise yourself (and your religion) above another. That is specifically forbidden by Christ. Everybody is on the same footing, and that footing is faith. You may have faith in what you please. Allow others the same privilege. May you believe what you will and allow all others to do the same. Peace be with you! "

 Respect for Catholics and their beliefs wrote on October 21, 2007 12:49 pm:
" As a Catholic, I would like to personally state that if any other religion stated that they were against abortion it would be no big deal. But because the Catholics are actually sticking to their morals and taking a stance on the issue, rather than playing the fence and hushing the details of abortion, we take all the crap. Thank you Cardinal for continuing to support the Catholic views, and maybe someday others will learn to stand up for what is right. As American's we need to learn to stop listening to what the media says and to do our own research on issues...once you find out exactly how a baby is aborted you might change your mind too... "

 Brian G wrote on October 21, 2007 12:51 pm:
" I find it highly amusing when religious people in America start talking about idolatry. Take a look at a picture of Jesus in just about any place of worship in this country and you will find a European hippie. Considering Jesus was a jew from a desert climate, I dont think that image worshipped by Americans has anything to do with the real thing. Ever seen anyone from the middle east? They dont look like John Lennon. Idolatry indeen. "

 JB wrote on October 21, 2007 4:07 pm:
" It is one thing to be pro-life, it is another thing to be anti-birth control on top of it. When will thses pro-lifes help with all the unwanted children there are? They are prolife, but anti family. Help the unmarried mothers and their children more. "

 Put up or shut up wrote on October 21, 2007 4:14 pm:
" Might I suggest that all Catholics who buy into the Cardinal's position, sign the following pledge, "I will not, under any circumstances, use or authorize the use on a member of my family, any medical procedure or treatment that was in anyway based on information obtained through embryonic stem cell research. I prefer to suffer and have my family suffer from any condition that might be treatable, if the treatment was hased on research using human embryos." Put up or shut up. Forget about whether the issue involves government financing of the research. This knowledge will be obtained, either in the US or overseas, with our without government funding. "

 T wrote on October 21, 2007 5:01 pm:
" I am a christian and have pictures of my family but I do not pray to them. Catholics pray to the Virgin Mary and all the saints. They also believe Mary and the saints can do all sorts of things for them. I only pray to God as God is the only one who can answer prayers. Now, who believes and prays to false idol. "

 nemo wrote on October 21, 2007 5:28 pm:
" OOh That elitist opinion that some church can trace their lineage back to Christ. The church in the Bible does not refer to your single religious church but the church of the body of Christ which includes all Christian churches, not just the Roman Catholic. And fundamentalists don't stop at the reformation they go back to Abraham who is the father of believing and even before that when God said he had chosen his believers before the foundation of the world. That's the problem some people speak of things that they've been told, not things they have researched on their own. And I agree, if one treatment obtained from science and technology is idolatry then it all is, so don't take a drug or go to the hospital cuz you risk being condemned. "

 ME ME wrote on October 21, 2007 5:49 pm:
" One more reason to detest the Catholic faith. My catholic friend is on chemo, is that worshipping “modern-day false idols”? Ever taken an ibuprofen for pain? You must be worshipping “modern-day false idols". Come on cardinal. Why don't the catholics spend more time and energy supporting the living breathing humans that are being abused, neglected, and tortured? It's easy to turn your head because it's a difficult issue to tackle, but you'd get a lot more accomplished than trying to change the whole world's opinion. Change reality, not opinion. Be productive. This just confirms my feelings about the Catholic faith. Thank God I wasn't born into the twisted religion. The catholics are not helping the christian image. "

 KCBeacon wrote on October 21, 2007 6:33 pm:
" If you ask me, pro-lifers are the ones worshipping the false idols - like, the image of a dead fetus? yeah. "

 db wrote on October 21, 2007 7:01 pm:
" To Put up or shut up: I so pledge! Pope John Paul II so pledged! many other great people have pledged. If fetal stem cell research is the answer to all our ills, why isn't there any private organizations steping up to fund this. If there is money to be made, and this would be a boon if fetal stem cell research was found to be the answer, people would be investing in the product. Even if it was the answer, it is still not an acceptable practice to kill babies to help mankind. The only people who prosper now is the abortionist who supply the aborted babies. I also pray to many saints (not worship) to interced on my behalf. How many people go to their mother to ask their father to allow them to go to a dance or movie or other function? And to all you Catholic bashers, until you understand the faith and not "spout off what others tell you", don't force your opinion on me. We have our faith, we share it with those who will listen, we don't force you to believe what we belive but we will not be forced to take your faith as the truth. This Pro-Life conference was a great boost to share a common ideal, if you don't like it, don't go, and start your own conference on how to kill babies. Protecting those who cannot defend themselves is what the Catholic church does better than most and probably one of the most prolific organizations to do so. Don't tell me that we are not doing our part. What are you doing to improve our world? "

 whatever wrote on October 21, 2007 7:27 pm:
" The Catholic Church isn't the only church with a strong stance on these issues, it's just the one that gets the attention. "

 Remember her? wrote on October 21, 2007 8:32 pm:
" Does anyone remember Mother Theresa? She was one of the greatest missionaries in the world. She worked with people who were so unwanted they would be left on the street to die. She happened to be Catholic, so don't say Catholics aren't doing their part. She was only one in a massive network of Catholic missionaries and charities. Also, when you pray to God, you're just talking to him, right? My teenage brother was killed in a car accident this summer and I talk to him all the time - since he is in Heaven (along with Mary and the Saints), I ask him to go to God on my behalf. I'm not worshipping him, I'm asking him to talk to God for me. I guess if that is such a bad thing, I don't want to be with the people who apparently forget about great people after they die. "

 Lisa wrote on October 21, 2007 9:11 pm:
" So what is this guy's view on our current 'war'? Killing unborn children, a life is a life yes? C'mon old man - your religion demands money, demand no taxes, demands everyone 'the right to live' but with no system in place to help people besides your own pockets. How many square feet are in your office? You have more technology available at your fingertips than most of these people will ever see you are trying to 'save'. Next time you visit and actually help even one person at the city mission, let me know. "

 Me wrote on October 21, 2007 9:36 pm:
" Amen, Cardinal! One cannot be a Christian and also support the torture and murder of innocent babies. Ever. "

 Omaha Dave wrote on October 21, 2007 10:04 pm:
" Old men who live lives sheltered from reality. On one hand they condemm abortion and at the same time condemn birth control which is the obvious solution to decreasing abortions. The priesthood is a good old boys club run for and by men. There have been many u-turns in dogma in the history of the church. At one time priests and even the Pope were allowed to be married, but fears of nepotism by the good boys in control changed the rules. What is really behind the anti birth control and anti abortion position is the theory that the more people who get knocked up the more potential Catholics there are. If you study the history of the church you will find that marriage became a sacred church ceremony only 400 years ago. God gave mankind free will and the ability to learn and in turn when our number comes up we are individually responsible for are actions on earth. While I'm a Catholic, I believe that telling God that I did this or that based on dogma is going to be any more of an acceptable excuse than telling a cop that you thought stop signs only apply to trucks. The earth is already dangerously over crowded, in the beginning we had to breed like flies to survive as a species, as we progressed that is no longer necessary. I think abortion is wrong personally, but I am not going to make that choice for anyone else, that is their decision. I also think that those groups who oppose abortion should be leading the charge in making birth control available and acceptable. People get abortions for reasons, it is not our call whether or not those reasons are valid, but if we can prevent unwanted pregnancies first there would be no abortions. If these pampered cloistered men really support what comes out of their mouths, they should be the chief engineers on the birth control train. The fact that they are not strikes me as being extremely hypocritical.If using my brain is going to send me to hell,then I am going to pay for it eventually, but one thing I know will get you that hot ticket and that is stuffing your beliefs down someone elses throat. "

 Nate wrote on October 21, 2007 10:44 pm:
" Somehow, I bet this guy still puts lightning rods on top his churches... "

 Marky Mark wrote on October 22, 2007 8:38 am:
" Since Doctors have saved many more lives than prayer, I would concur that stem cell research would be much more pro-life, and prayer would not be pro-life at all. If you want to rely on Bronze-Age mythology because you have neen taught that all your life thats your business. I prefer science to prayer anyday...science works! "

 Mary wrote on October 22, 2007 8:45 am:
" He is entitled to his opinion. I am entitled to mine. Catholics always think theirs is the only opinion that is right. Seems to me Jesus talked about ALL people. "

 CC wrote on October 22, 2007 9:05 am:
" How about we get a catholic man (or any man) to do the 'snip snip'? There, then you don't have to worry about birth control and abortions. Why is it that a woman is evil for taking birth control because of possible 1/2 babies, but every time a man ejaculates millions of possible 1/2 babies die? Uh... thats only one egg (one half) compared to millions of sperm (1/2 babies). And catholics only seem to worry about what a woman does. I think we as a society should have moved beyond this by now, but fear does wonders for religion. "If you don't do as we say, you will go to hell". Wow. "

 Sarah wrote on October 22, 2007 9:21 am:
" WOW reading thru these comments there is so much rhetoric (on both sides)I don't know where to begin. It has always been interesting to me that fundalmentalist Christians express so much hatred towards the Catholic church. I would assume these same fundamentalists are also "pro-life" but I guess saving the unborn comes a distant 2nd to these petty arguments about "false idols" and the entire "my church is better than your church" free for all....... "

 peb wrote on October 22, 2007 10:33 am:
" What no one ever mentions about embryonic stem cells and the reason they need to be researched is their ability to develop into virtually any other cell made by the human body. Adult stem cells have already been "programed" to be a specific type of cell before they are ever used. "

 Jimmy wrote on October 22, 2007 10:53 am:
" Catholics are the ones who keep telling all the little ones that the only way to heaven is the Catholic Church. Imagine my poor little sons when they found out their grandparents were doomed to hell. Lincoln Diocese Catholics are some of the least Christian out there. I know Catholic School teachers who are being bullied by other teachers and administration, and the priest condones it. I work in a large building with a variety of religious beliefs and I must say I know a few atheists who are more Christian than the "Holier Than Thou Catholics" in this town. "

 a mother wrote on October 22, 2007 11:45 am:
" As usual, the noisiest people on an issue are the ones who can't even stick to the issue. Catholic, schmatholic! That has nothing to do with the issue, which is abortion -- the taking of a human life. Rape is a horrendous crime, true, but if we are going to inflict the death penalty; why not on the criminal who perpetrated the crime instead of an innocent victim? None of you proposing that abortion in this circumstance is justified would accept that a woman's one-year-old should be killed if she is raped. Yet another innocent child only month's younger is expendable to you and you feel justified in punishing them for the crime of a grown man who may or may not ever be punished. It is also absurd to think that abortion will solve the country's homeless and hunger problems. Those of you espousing such ideas are so one-sided in your "research" that you seem to have missed the information that the now failing Social Security system experiences shortfalls to support our country's seniors in direct correlation to the numbers of baby's aborted in the last several decades. I don't have a problem with people who have differing opinions. I have a problem with educated people who ignore data and research and hold to their ideals because of their "faith" in the idea, regardless of their personal religious faith. These people refuse to actually analyze information from both sides of an issue and cling frantically to those that support, erroneously or not, their own agendas. Even presented with the overwhelming scientific evidence emerging in the last several years that a human "embryo" is a human life, these people cling tightly to their "faith" in their belief and try to blame science for it instead of their own pig-headedness. This is not a "faith" issue. It's a common-sense issue. And there aren't many who are willing to use that any more. "

 Theresa wrote on October 22, 2007 12:00 pm:
" Please show me the logical step, Cardinal Rigali, that you got from "People who support abortion, etc... = worshipping false idols”. PROVE that to me. Show me the logical steps you went through to formulate that PROOF. Surely you took a logic or philosophy of nature class. Another shining example of why I left the Church: no thought process and bad assumptions. "

 H wrote on October 22, 2007 12:14 pm:
" Unitented pregnancies? what a joke. You choose to have sex or not. The main purpose of sex is recreation, not just some drunken one night stand. So if you choose to have sex then you must be willing to face the consquences. A baby in the womb is still a human being and if you choose to abort this because of some "unitended pregnancy" then you are take a potentially great life w/ as much right to live as you have to go out and be promiscuous. "

 Nina wrote on October 22, 2007 12:40 pm:
" Pro-choice doesn't necessarily mean pro-abortion. Seems like I recall reading (in the Bible) that God gave people choice. Ideally, one can be pro-life and pro-choice at the same time. I hope those who are pregnant make the right moral choice, but morality shouldn't need to be legislated. Of course, each is accountable for those choices to Him. If this church wasn't so anti-birth control, the remainder of the problems might number less. "

 SB wrote on October 22, 2007 1:10 pm:
" Criticizing a church for its past is an easy thing to do, but doesn’t debate the issue; since the catholic church has made mistakes in their 2000 years of existence we should completely disregard any type of moral or ethical stance taken by their leadership because chances are they are wrong as well? OR perhaps I should debate the issue at hand instead of taking low shots based on misinformed rhetoric and ‘what if’ circumstances; the issue being that a well educated moral authority (who contrary to popular belief doesn’t take such ethical decisions lightly) has taken a stance that destroying life for the personal gains of man is the wrong road to take as a human species. Abortion at its simplest terms is denying the right to life after it has been granted and farming fertilized embryos for scientific research is creating and destroying life for the gain of another. If you want to take all religious morality from the debate… then from a biological/survival of the fittest stance why should we destroy the next generation of life in order to heal the failing, genetically mutated, cancer carrying generation? "

 Cardinals Ain't God wrote on October 22, 2007 1:22 pm:
" Yah. Faith not science. Just like the censure of the science that posited that the earth revolves around the sun got folks excommunicated. Just like the censure of science that brought up bacteria as responsible for disease instead of sin being responsible. Just like the censure of people who believe that women are more than baby-bearers. How much did it cost to bring this man to LIncoln? Use the money for the poor, not for politics. "

 Just a thought... wrote on October 22, 2007 1:35 pm:
" ...I know that Catholics are against birth control, but not all pro life people are Catholic and not all Catholics are against birth control. Isn't it true that when a woman is on the birth control pill or patch it is possible for her to have a spontaneous abortion without knowing it? Because sperm could meet egg, she keeps taking her pill every day totally not knowing that this has happened, and in effect terminates the pregnancy by keeping on with the pills. How many pro life people out there take birth control pills or patch? Do you think they know that it is extremely possible that they have killed one "baby" every month? "

 Rachelita wrote on October 22, 2007 1:43 pm:
" I'm stuck in the middle on my opinions. I've read and heard things from both sides of the fence that I abohor and some that I completely agree with. I think the point the Cardinal is making here is that these particular procedures are, in the eyes of Christians, "playing God," as well as death penalty. Helping to heal this sick and ailing is paramount among their core beliefs but they disagree with ending a life to save a life (embryonic stem-cell research). I understand the possible benefits to this type of research but for me personally I couldn't live with myself knowing a baby was killed to create something that saved my life so yes, if the difference between my life and death meant choosing whether or not to use a product of such reseach that couldn't be done some other way I would refuse treatment and look for alternatives. As far as abortion goes, there are some cases when I can see the reasoning and some where I think it is necessary but to use it as birth control because a person decides they don't want to have a baby and they weren't sure that they could handle that possible consequence of their sexual activity is abhorent to me. The biggest problem I see with our country is the fact that quite a large number of our population, of every race, religion, sex, sexual-orientation and age is the inability to take responsibility for their decisions and accept that their are consequences. I believe that when a person makes the decision to have sex they should think about STD's and what happens if they get pregnant. Both are life changing and one can be life ending possibilities and if you don't feel you are mentally and emotionally prepared to deal with them then you aren't mentally and emotionally prepared to have sex. There is also adoption available. There are many families who cannot get pregnant thought they've been trying for years who would love to adopt your beautiful baby and won't care how it came to be. And if you know for sure you never want to have children, women: get your tubes tied, men: get yours snipped, you still have the same pleasure from intercourse and release just w/o the possiblity of creating an unwanted baby. In case any of you would like to know about the person with these beliefs, I am an un-wed, bi-sexual, Christian mother. I know that some of these things are hard to put together for some but, I don't expect any of you to agree with me, my life style or beliefs. "

 Geez wrote on October 22, 2007 3:08 pm:
" I see that everyone is quick to get up on thier soap boxes to tell others how to live thier lives and to judge them. I'm no expert on the bible but I think that the ultimate judge is God and none of us really knows what is right on this issue until we meet him and ask him. The bible can be interpreted in countless ways, even if you believe it to be the teachings of God. Thus different religions that use the same book.... "

 Nasako Madsen wrote on October 22, 2007 3:14 pm:
" First of all, Science and relgion both agree that a tiny baby no matter how small from the moment of conception is a human life--a living being with a complete DNA. How selfish am I do let a helpless human baby (I don't care whose baby it is, whether it is formed in a petri dish or in the womb, it is still a human life loved and cherished by God with a dignity equal to mine) to die so I can heal myself from whatever infirmity I have, as if the whole world sorrounds around me and me alone. Jesus died so I can live; yet, for me, some helpless little baby has to die so I can be healed and lived. What kind of a Christian am I? By the way, according to research, embryonic stem cell has never healed and cured a single disease! however, adult stem cell and umbilical cord stem cell have healed certain patients with these incurable diseases. This is where medicine and science have so far found the cure for these diseases-from adult stem cell and umbilical cord stem cell. For those of you who question the power of prayer (The Christian faith and religion) to cure and heal, I have a daughter who conducted whooping cough when she was only a new born, died for 30 minutes because there wasn't any medicine in the hospital to cure and heal her with, but through prayers and faith in God's power to raise the death and heal the sick, she came back to life (without any assistance from the doctors and nurses who were watching her being death). She is now 13 years old with no brain damage like the doctors predicted. She had 8-9 episodes where she stopped breathing for over 5 minutes with one episode lasted over fifteen minutes and another one lasted for 30 minutes. The hospital was poor without the advance technology to help my little new born baby with. Those of you who doubt the power of the Christian faith, the Catholic faith in particular, where do you think you come from? From Apes? May God grant you all the grace you need to be open to His grace and see His presence around you. As for Cardinal Rigali, he is a great servant of God, and I am thrilled and in awe that I got to shake his hand, talked to him and kissed his ring! May God bless all Catholc priests, bishops, cardinals, and the pope who stand up courageously for the sake of human life, God's most precious creation!! "

 Des wrote on October 22, 2007 4:39 pm:
" My goodness, the comments section of this article reaks with hatred. Are so many of you so insecure that a speech by a cardinal leaves you all frothing at the mouth?? Anyways, let's keep a few things in mind here before you vent further: 1) Newton and Einstein were very religious men and they made some of the greatest contributions to science known to man; 2) Archeology keeps finding the places and things that the Bible talks about, backing it up with historical reference; 3) countries with a strong Christian background are those that have freedom of expression and the concept that no one is above the law. Compare that with non-religious nations, like China, USSR, Pol Pot's Cambodia, Communist Vietnam, Communist Cuba, etc. Furthermore, the Catholic Church has funded scientific and medical research and runs a large astronimical station near Rome. Catholic Charities has provided help and assistance to millions around the world for years. And just perhaps what the Cardinal meant is that all of these wonderful things flow from the gifts of God and we should thank him for it. Instead, more and more we find men and women who insist that they are godheads themselves and become narcissistic freaks who hate all those who challenge their individual godhead. "

 Ol' Farmer wrote on October 22, 2007 5:03 pm:
" Well at least they are not playing bingo, holding raffles in the church, and having beer kegs at church fish fries. Pretty close to the money changers at the temple, I say. People who live in glass churches shouldn't throw stones either. "

 Nina wrote on October 22, 2007 5:26 pm:
" 'Just a thought' brings up another option. True, some birth control could cause spontaneous abortion, just as mother nature does. However, there is a 'morning-after' type pill that works to prevent the egg from being fertilized and attached. So no egg/sperm union takes place when this form is used, and no potential life is lost. It's just an assurance that pregnancy won't happen by taking care of the situation before it gets that far. It is my understanding that the catholic church opposes this, too. Even if it is in no way abortion, it is birth control. "

 Larry wrote on October 22, 2007 6:22 pm:
" Abortion sucks, enough said. "

 Missing the boat wrote on October 22, 2007 8:44 pm:
" From what I understand of this article is that Cardinal Rigali opposes embryonic stem cell research, not necessarily stem cell research from adults. It's also my understanding from speaking with physicians that adult stem cells offer the same potential as embryonic stem cells. I do not believe the Cardinal opposes all technology, only the technology that encourages and in a sick sense tries to justify murder/abortion. "

 Kristy wrote on October 22, 2007 11:48 pm:
" If a embryo can survive life outside the womb then I would feel differently but in any case I don't think that anyone has the right to tell any woman or man what to do with their body. If they want to outlaw abortion than they need to institute forced vasectomies for the men that impregnant anything that walks. These men don't take care of the lives that they bring into the world. But then that will never happen because that is a man and we can't tell a man what to do with their body. The best thing that I have heard from anyone is "I would rather die in the womb at the hands of my mother than be molested by a catholic priest!" If the catholics are so concerned about life, why don't they start looking in the mirror and see what their own are doing to children and how moral that isn't. "

 No thanks wrote on October 23, 2007 9:48 am:
" And that sort of BS is exactly why I stay away from fundamentalist religion in ANY form. How are modern people in a modern world supposed to draw any strength from a faith that is so rigid as to be archaic? Pro-choice Catholic, it's refreshing to hear from someone who is both a person of faith and a person of reason. "

 reply to Des wrote on October 23, 2007 9:52 am:
" Des, while agree with all the historical facts you present, I do not agree with the fact that these comments are hatred. I also agree with the fact that many catholic charities and catholic families do great work. What bothers all non-catholics is that the Catholic church has such a stronghold on our government to the point that it causes more issues. For example: The Church is against birth control, abortion and most importantly sex education. I'm not trying to be sarcastic, but seriously without any sexual education what do you think is the outcome? How can you educate the public on STD's and AIDS without using the word sex? I have the utmost respect for the Catholic church and her followers, but the veil of ignorance and its effect deeply trouble me. You asked, why does a speech from a Cardinal get everyone so worked up? Well because it doesn't take a Political Science to see how deep the pockets of the Catholic church are in matters of government. They have SO much electoral power, especially in the Lincoln area. These comments come out of concern for the welfare of women and children and not out of hatred. "

 Nasako Madsen wrote on October 23, 2007 10:11 am:
" The Cardinal was doing his job--standing up for the "Truth." What is "Truth?" Jesus wants us to know the "Truth" because the "Truth" can set us free. The Cardinal talked about this "Truth" in his speech and how this "Truth" sets us free. By the way, being free doesn't mean doing everything you want to do including those things that endanger your life and the lives of others. Being free means to be responsible. Freedom and license are two totally different things. Our nation is not about being licensed to do anything and everything there is even if that means hurting ourselves and others. We wouldn't have laws and rules if that is the case. Our nation is about being free-possessing the freedom to do what is good and right for ourselves and others--being responsible! The "Truth" that sets us free, the "Truth" that Jesus talks about is behind this freedom we exercise here in America (May God bless America)--free from sin (hurting ourselves and others), free from STDs (Sexual Transmitted Diseases, such as Aids, etc.), free from oppression, and free from any harms and evil. Thank you Cardinal Rigali for expressing your Godly love for all of us and for the most vulnerable, and thank you Lincoln Journal Star for a wonderful coverage of this very most important topic of our time. May God bless all of you. "

 JCB wrote on October 23, 2007 10:17 am:
" False idols. The Catholic church is the king of "false idols". It would be nice if this church was "pro family". Worry about all these unwanted children which are caused by the far rights anti-birth control stance. Being pro-life and anti-birth control is very stupid. "

 RB wrote on October 23, 2007 12:36 pm:
" This is why I'm a recovering Catholic. The hypocrisy of this institution should be embarrasing to Catholics everywhere! Anti-abortion but anti-birth control. Talk about a group of idiots! Stick to worshipping your Vigin Mary statue and crucifix and leave the intellectual decision-making up to the rest of us. "

 Nasako Madsen wrote on October 23, 2007 2:50 pm:
" I am a Catholic. I don't worship idols. Catholics don't worship idols. In fact, the Catholic Church which is founded by Jesus Christ Himself and entrusted to Saint Peter, the very first pope of the Catholic Church (Matthew 16: 18-19) teaches against worshipping idols--statues of false gods, paganism, etc. Catholics keep statues and pictures of the saints and Jesus Christ and His mother in their Churches and homes to remind them of their courage, holiness, and example. (Think about it, those who are in the possessions of bonography ends up sexually abusing others. The eyes are the lamp of the body. When the eyes are good, the body will be as well. It is better to look at something that communicates good than something that will cause you to do evil). These holy pictures and statues blessed by a priest, bishop or the pope himself are a source of inspiration to any Christian to be vigilant in the Christian faith. These holy and inspiring sacramentals can touch the hearts of those who understand the power of the "keys of heaven" Jesus entrusted to Saint Peter the very first pope of the Catholic Church (Matthew 16: 19). There is so much power and grace involved in Jesus'gesture and words when handing on these "keys of heaven" to the Catholic Church through her very first pope. Found in "these keys" are the Sacraments, Sacramentals, traditions, practices, teac