Brothers and Sisters,

There is a proposition on the November ballot that is of grave concern. Proposition 71, "The Embryo Cloning and Stem Cell Research Bond Act," will mandate that the state of California borrow $3 billion to pay for stem cell research.

As you consider this proposition, it is important to understand that the Catholic Church is not opposed to stem cell research. Rather, we encourage morally appropriate research that holds the promise of future cures for troublesome and fatal illnesses, and we rejoice at the cures that some have already experienced because of that research.

However, these stem cells will come from the destruction of embryos created by in vitro fertilization and from embryos created by a scientific process known as cloning. This cloning does not allow the new human being to be born, but rather, creates human life in order to use it for research on its stem cells. This is completely contrary to our moral teaching and our belief in the sanctity of every human life from the moment of conception to natural death.

Indeed, it is unconscionable to fund the creation and destruction of human embryos. As our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II wrote in Evangelium Vitae: "All human beings, from their mother's womb, belong to God who searches them and knows them, who forms them and knits them together with his own hands, who gazes on them when they are shapeless embryos and already sees in them the adults of tomorrow…"

In addition, the Church's teachings on social justice lead us to conclude that it is both wrong and unjust to launch a costly new state bureaucracy when vital state programs for health care services, as well as education, police and fire services are being cut. Also, drawing upon our understanding of morally appropriate stewardship, we must object to the proposed circumvention of legitimate oversight since neither the Governor or the Legislature will have oversight over this three-billion-dollar expenditure.

Finally, our belief in the moral imperative of seeking the common good is at odds with this extraordinary expenditure on speculative research that will divert funds away from types of research, such as the use of non-embryonic sources of stem cells, like cord blood, that have already demonstrated success.

You will hear many arguments in favor of this proposition, but it is imperative that we do not abandon our moral principles as we continue to search for medical answers and cures. Proposition 71 is an immoral and unjust proposal that must not be implemented in our state, and I encourage you to vote morally and wisely.