Diocese rescinds statement on involvement in Komen fundraising events

Published: 2008-03-10

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (CNS) -- Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert, administrator of the Diocese of Little Rock, has rescinded a February statement that discouraged parishes and schools in the diocese from supporting fundraising activities for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The international organization, which is based in Dallas, raises millions annually for the detection, treatment and research of breast cancer. One of its signature events is the annual Race for the Cure held in communities around the country. After meeting with Komen officials, Msgr. Hebert said March 6 that the earlier position statement, prepared by the diocesan Respect Life Office and endorsed by him, "was based upon what were believed to be 'facts,' which upon further study have turned out not to be true." He said one of the erroneous "facts" he was given was that the national Komen foundation provides grants to Planned Parenthood, a major provider of abortions, raising concern that money donated to Komen in Arkansas could indirectly fund abortions. "However, the reality is that the national Komen foundation does not give grants to Planned Parenthood -- and, therefore, money given to Komen in Arkansas does not, even indirectly, fund abortion," he said in his March 6 statement.

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