CINCINNATI: Archdiocese Nixes Ice Bucket Challenge Because Stem Cells

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati has issued a call for Catholics to refrain from participating in the viral ice bucket challenge because it funds an ALS study that uses embryonic stem cells.

"The beneficiary of the ice-bucket challenge funds a study using embryonic stem cells, which can only be obtained by destroying embryonic life. For that reason, we have determined that our schools should not raise money for the ALS Association, and should instead – if they wish – donate to another organization doing ALS research," the Archdiocese wrote in a prepared statement. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a disease that attacks the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary motion. On Tuesday, staff in the Archdiocesan system received an email from Jim Rigg, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, obtained by WCPO, demanding they not participate in any challenge as representatives of Catholic schools. "If your school is planning an effort to raise funds, you should immediately cease such planning, or direct your fundraising to another organization with a similar goal, but whose practices are consistent with the Church," Riggs wrote.

As of yesterday, the challenge has raised over $31M. (Tipped by JMG reader Rocco)