By Maria Hickey, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – The Archdiocese of St. Louis is now being scrutinized for urging Catholics not to give to a well-respected breast cancer foundation.
Last year the archdiocese's Respect Life Apostolate sent out a position statement encouraging Catholics NOT to give to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
The statement claims the foundation gives to Planned Parenthood and supports embryonic stem cell research. The Komen foundation says both claims are false.
Archdiocese Apostolate director Molly Kertz says the position statement went out again earlier this month.
"It's the church's job always to teach and to provide information to help its members be aware and make informed decisions about what they do," Kertz said.
It's been reported that Archbishop Raymond Burke signed the letter. He did not, but Kertz says it was sent with his approval.
Earlier this week the archbishop urged Catholics not to attend a benefit featuring singer Sheryl Crow because of her support for abortion and embryonic stem cell research.