By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Catholic priests in Missouri on Sunday used at least part of their homily Sunday to tell parishioners the church's view on embryonic stem cell research. They were urging congregations to oppose a petition for a constitutional amendment that would protect the research.
One priest in Jefferson City compared the cultivation of human embryos for research to the gruesome experiments performed by Nazis on concentration camp occupants during World War Two.
Other priests mentioned that the church does not oppose all stem cell research, noting adult stem cell research poses no moral issues.
The petition drive was announced last month in response to some lawmakers' efforts to ban the research. Supporters argue stem cells may lead to cures for spinal cord injuries and other diseases, including Parkinson's.
Opponents contend the use of embryonic stem cells involves creating human life just to destroy it.