On Prop. 71:
We regret the passage of Proposition 71, the Human Embryo Cloning and Stem Cell Research Bond Act, which was marketed as a cure-all for most of our chronic diseases and as an economic boon to the state.

The Catholic Church supports stem cell research, but it does not support the creation and the destruction of human embryos that Proposition 71 authorizes. We are disappointed that this proposition, as far as we know, will not fund adult stem cell and cord blood stem cell research, both of which have yielded the only cures to date. We will continue to advocate for ethical and humane scientific research that may provide hope and healing.

We continue to believe that the proposed diversion of California resources toward this speculative research will impoverish more promising research for other diseases. Also of great concern to us is the fact that more than seven million people in our state have no healthcare insurance and that this proposed huge outlay of borrowed money may be responsible for curbing the funding for the state's current and future civic and social welfare commitments.

We do stand ready work with both the administration and the Legislature to correct the defects in this proposition, which include a lack of substantial accountability, and to work with others to offer comfort and care to those who will undoubtedly be disappointed when they realize that cures are not imminent and that they were given false hope.

Issued Nov. 3 by Stockton Bishop Stephen Blaire, California Catholic Conference president.

On Prop. 66:
The defeat of Proposition 66, the Three Strikes Amendment, leaves the challenge with the administration and the Legislature to correct the injustice in California's Three Strikes Law.

The strong support expressed by so many for ensuring that third strikes are serious and violent felonies should spur our leadership to responsible action. Despite the fear aroused by the claims of the opponents, most Californians do want the injustices to be corrected.

The California Catholic Conference will continue to work with others to help us realize a state criminal justice system that focuses on prevention of crime healing of victims and rehabilitation of offenders.

Issued Nov. 3 by Ned Dolejsi, California Catholic Conference executive director.