January 27, 2012
Position statement on Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Editor’s note: Following is the text of a statement from Bishop Charles C. Thompson in regard to Catholic participation in events of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
At the national level there has been a considerable amount of controversy regarding the relationship between Planned Parenthood and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Many individuals have approached our diocese with similar concerns. The ultimate purpose of Komen is to provide breast cancer awareness, education, and screening services, as well as research in this field.
The Greater Evansville Affiliate has been very supportive of our community and granted funding to several Catholic organizations who have been able to provide much needed services. We find remarkable value in this cause and appreciate their hard work and support.
After much discussion and research with the Greater Evansville Komen affiliate and the national Komen organization, it is our understanding that they do not provide funds to Planned Parenthood and do not fund embryonic stem cell research.
We acknowledge that Komen is not guided by the Catholic Church and therefore may have a different perspective on the importance of upholding a consistent ethic of life from conception until natural death. We do want to caution those within our diocese to be aware of some underlying apprehensions we have regarding the potential for what the Catholic Church could perceive to be immoral activity. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to track uncertainties, nor is it ethical to make unfounded accusations. Those who have moral objections to Komen may wish to support The Breast Cancer Prevention Institute or the Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer — both of which have been considered to be fully consistent with Catholic moral teaching.
We reserve the right to re-evaluate our stance should new information be brought forward, and as always offer our prayers to those affected by cancer and those working to end it.