Actions That Speak

An ongoing battle between religious conservatives and those who think all scientific research is essential has been quietly smoldering.

It will fire up again as the election cycle reaches its peak.

Before the 2012 elections, however, the Vatican is going to take some actions that speak louder than a chorus of bishops singing about the evils of embryonic stem cell creation.

The Vatican is going all out to support research into adult stem cells. It's a case of action that backs up a lot of words.

Look how productive we can be, says the Holy See.

According to Robin Smith, owner of NeoStem, the Vatican will get behind her work on adult stem cells.

By sponsoring conferences on adult stem cell research, assisting with fundraising, and the like, the Catholic Church will actively support a medical field that has put it at odds with many of its members. And it makes sense.

To decry an area of scientific endeavor that could lead to eradication of several serious medical conditions is to sound quite anti-science. On the other hand, stand up for part of that same field and the Church can put its money where its mouth is.

Thus far, it is adult stem cells that have shown the most promise, with embryonic stem cells little more than a scientist's hypothetical dream. By promoting adult stem cell research, the Church can push development and leave the whole concept of fetal stem cell collection in the dust.

It's one way to end the controversy. Developments in the adult stem cell area can lead to more study as scientists build on each other's findings. Meanwhile, fetal stem cell research remains in its infancy (rim shot!) and fades into obscurity.

More than mere decrees from on high, the Church's position on adult stem cell research demonstrates that it isn't anti-science. If anything, it shows that important research can be conducted within the Catholic ethos.

For such a hide-bound institution, it's remarkably forward thinking.