False idols of autonomy, utility work against life, cardinal says

Published: 2007-08-03

ARLINGTON, Va. (CNS) -- Like the Israelites who idolized the golden calf, the pro-life movement is challenged today by "the idolatrous gospel of total autonomy, sheer utility and false mercy," Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia told a gathering in Arlington Aug. 2. The cardinal, who chairs the U.S. bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities, spoke on the opening day of the Aug. 2-4 annual conference of directors of diocesan pro-life offices and state Catholic conferences, sponsored by the bishops' pro-life secretariat. "Those who have blind faith in embryonic stem-cell research and its so-called 'biblical power to cure' -- as House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi called it recently -- are worshipping a modern-day false idol," Cardinal Rigali said. "They are putting their faith in an exaggerated view of the wonders of science and in their own ingenuity to overcome disease and aging."

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