Cardinal agrees stem cell meeting

Last Modified: 29 Mar 2008
Source: PA News

The leader of Scotland's Roman Catholic Church who attacked the Government's controversial embryology laws has agreed to meet scientists involved in stem cell research.

Cardinal Keith O'Brien, who sparked a storm when he described plans to create human-animal embryos for research as "monstrous", said he would be "only too happy" to attend such a meeting.

He also called for religious heads from other faiths to be involved, and urged the setting up of an body to advise the Government on complex ethical issues.

Scientists and politicians welcomed the Cardinal's offer to discuss the issue, and Labour MP Jim Devine suggested a meeting could take place on April 22.

The leading churchman was at the centre of a fierce debate when he claimed proposals in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill could lead to experiments of "Frankenstein proportions".

Gordon Brown bowed to pressure for a free vote on crucial elements of the bill on Tuesday amid mounting objections from senior Cabinet members and church leaders. Supporters of the Bill argue that the use of hybrid embryos could lead to cures for diseases including multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.

At a public meeting in the Fife town of Kirkcaldy, Cardinal O'Brien agreed to meet the scientists involved in the research, and suggested leaders from all faiths should come together to discuss the matter.

He said: "I see the way ahead through bringing together the Churches and peoples of all faiths, along with scientists who are involved at this present time with the potential production of these human-animal hybrid embryos or who wish to consider such production themselves.

"I have been approached by MPs and asked by others in the media to consider meeting with leading scientists who are currently involved in this area. I would be only too happy to agree to such a meeting and I am sure other Church representatives and leaders of other faiths would also agree."

The cardinal also stipulated one condition to a meeting. He said: "My only condition would be that the scientists were also willing to accept instruction from our Churches and peoples of faith on basic morality, on what human life really is, on the purpose of our life on earth and so on."

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