Major leaps in science often require a new understanding of ourselves and our world. From Galileo’s telescope that revealed that the earth revolved around the sun to medical vaccinations and in vitro fertilization, scientific advances can threaten age-old religious truths and alter basic notions of what it means to be human.
Religious leaders and communities sometimes see science as going beyond its proper reach to invade realms that belong to God, and are often—while not opposing scientific discoveries per se—alert to the need for rigorous moral thinking and coherent ethical guidelines to accompany technological advances.
Embryonic stem cell research has been an area of particular interest to faith communities. Embryonic stem cell research holds the promise to revolutionize medicine, offering cures to a host of diseases such as diabetes, ALS, and Parkinson’s disease. But the research also creates controversy because the derivation of the stem cells destroys the embryo.
Some religious communities believe that embryonic stem cell research destroys innocent life and should not be allowed. Others believe that while the embryo has moral worth, a group of a hundred cells no bigger than the head of a pin is not the same as a person. They also point out that there are thousands of excess embryos in fertility clinics that are already slated for destruction and could be used instead to find life-saving cures.
Opponents of and advocates for embryonic stem cell research are gearing up for heated political battles. States including California, New Jersey, and Connecticut have recently passed legislation to fund new embryonic stem cell research, while states like Michigan and South Dakota have laws drastically restricting stem cell research involving embryos.
There is growing awareness of stem cell research among religious organizations, but they hold a diversity of views concerning the morality of the technology. Several faith organizations have taken formal positions concerning embryonic stem cell research, while others have not taken an official stance.
It is important to note that many Judeo-Christian religious groups have hierarchical structures that allow for social statements to be made on behalf of their particular denomination, while others do not. Therefore, major faiths like Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism that lack such structure have not been included in this summary.
With that said, here are the positions of several major religious denominations:
Assemblies of God: The Assemblies of God oppose embryonic stem cell research, saying, “Potential medical benefits do not justify destroying human life at any stage of development.” The Assemblies also oppose somatic cell nuclear transfer on the basis that it involves “the creation and destruction of human life for medical research.”
The Catholic Church: There is some debate among Catholic ethicists, but the Catholic Church officially opposes embryonic stem cell research, frequently citing Pope John Paul II’s plea for a “culture of life,” grouping the science with abortion, euthanasia and “other attacks on innocent life.”
The Christian Reformed Church in
Church of the Brethren: The COTB has not yet taken an official position; they are expected to release a statement in July 2007 at the COTB Annual Conference.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: The LDS has not made a formal statement on embryonic stem cell research. Yet one interpretation of the Mormon doctrine of ensoulment states that “an individual human life only begins…when the spirit joins the physical body some time following conception.” Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR), a Mormon, has used this interpretation to defend the research.
Conservative Baptist Association of
The Episcopal Church: The Episcopal Church supports embryonic stem cell research and was especially supportive of H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 before it was vetoed by President Bush. A letter signed by two representatives of the church reads, “The Episcopal Church celebrates medical research as this research expands our knowledge of God’s creation and empowers us to bring potential healing to those who suffer from disease or disability.”
The Evangelical Presbyterian Church: The Evangelical Presbyterian Church has not taken an official position regarding embryonic stem cell research.
Jehovah’s Witnesses: The Jehovah’s Witnesses have not explicitly addressed stem cell research. They have stated opposition to abortion, believing that life begins at conception, and they have also stated that “the willful destruction of an embryo would be viewed as abortion.”
Open Bible Churches: The Open Bible Churches have not yet adopted a stance on embryonic stem cell research.
Orthodox Church in
The Presbyterian Church (USA): The Presbyterian Church (USA) stated at their 213th General Assembly in 2001 that, “With careful regulation, we affirm the use of human stem cell tissue for research that may result in the restoring of health to those suffering from serious illness.” Throughout its statement on the topic, the notion of responsibility is repeated several times, making it clear that although the church supports the research, the endorsement is not a blank check.
The Reformed Church in
Seventh-Day Adventist Church: The Seventh-Day Adventist Church has not yet made a statement regarding embryonic stem cell research, but they have stated their support for somatic cell nuclear transfer, writing on their website, “If it is possible to prevent genetic disease through the use of somatic cell nuclear transfer, the use of this technology may be in keeping with the goal of preventing avoidable suffering.”
Southern Baptist Convention: The SBC is opposed to embryonic stem cell research, citing “vigorous opposition to the destruction of innocent human life, including the destruction of human embryos.” The Convention also encouraged Congress to maintain funding restrictions on the technology, and also encouraged existing laboratories that engage in the science to “cease and desist.”
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations: The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations supports the science of stem cell research, saying in a letter to President Bush, “We believe it is entirely appropriate to utilize for this research existing embryos, such as those created for IVF purposes that would otherwise be discarded but for this research.” the UOJC is, however, opposed to the creation of embryos for the specific purpose of research.
Unitarian Universalist Association: The UUA was a vocal supporter of H.R. 810, and continues to support a woman’s right to donate eggs and a couple’s right to donate embryos so long as there “is no intention of human reproductive cloning.” In addition to supporting embryonic stem cell research, the UUA supports somatic cell nuclear transfer as a viable and valuable advancement in therapeutic medicine.
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism: The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism supports lifting the restrictions on funding embryonic stem cell research, saying “Support of stem cell research evolves from the view in Jewish law that an embryo does not have ‘full capacity or status’ until it is 40 days old.”