Ohio diocese discourages ice bucket challenge

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The ALS ice bucket challenge has arrived in Gainesville. The nationally ranked Brenau University competitive cheerleading squad was challenged on Facebook by Chestatee High junior varsity cheerleader Kaylee Grace Lucas to take the ALS ice bucket challenge. The challenge is raising funds for research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrigs disease. Brenau Universitys Makenzi Wooten, left, drenches Kaylynn Samples as they both take the ALS ice bucket challenge at the schools amphitheater.Associated Press

CINCINNATI (AP) A Roman Catholic diocese in Ohio is discouraging its 113 schools from participating in the ice bucket challenge to benefit the ALS Association, saying the group's funding of embryonic stem cell research is "in direct conflict with Catholic teaching."

Jim Rigg, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, told the schools in a letter Tuesday to "immediately cease" any plans to raise funds for the association and to instead direct donations to another organization that combats ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease also known as Lou Gehrig's disease that causes paralysis and almost certain death.

The Catholic Church relates the use of embryonic stem cells in research to abortion and says it violates the sanctity of human life. The use of adult stem cells in research is not forbidden by Catholic teaching.

"We certainly appreciate the compassion that has caused people all over the country, certainly including many Catholics, to be interacting and engaging in a fun way to support ALS research," diocese spokesman Dan Andriacco said.

Carrie Munk, a spokeswoman for the ALS Association, said her group largely funds adult stem cell research, but does fund one study involving embryonic stem cells using money from one specific donor.

She said all donors to the ALS Association can stipulate where their money goes and can ask that it not pay for embryonic stem cell research. Munk said she hasn't heard of other Catholic dioceses recommending against donating to the group.

The diocese said schools could participate in the ice bucket challenge, but any money raised should be directed to groups like the John Paul II Medical Research Institute in Iowa City, Iowa, which conducts "pro-life driven" research, according to its website.

Don Clemmer, a spokesman for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said that his organization has not issued any directives to its bishops.

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Ohio diocese discourages ice bucket challenge