Ponderings

I am deeply troubled by the religious voices of opposition to Amendment 2.

I spent a perfectly marvelous day with the women’s groups of two of our Webster Groves UCC churches (First Congregational and Evangelical) touring south city St. Louis churches. We were visiting to look at the incredible architecture, but we couldn’t help but note the signs and pamphlets related to Amendment 2 (which addresses stem cell research and cures for Missourians).

As I read the literature that is being shared by faith communities in opposition to the amendment, I was appalled by the misleading allegations. One claims that “the initiative will force Missouri tax payers to directly fund cloning and embryo destruction with absolutely no strings attached” (bold italics from the original). This is blatantly false. No where in the proposal is there any mention of taxpayer funding. None. Another claims that the amendment is “deceptive and misleading” with no substantiating data. Communities of faith have a responsibility to enter the cultural dialogues, but our voices are called to enhance the conversation not to poison the well or provide false information. I respect diversity. I respect that the spirit alive in our midst may well lead us to different conclusions. What I have no respect for is a lack of educated inquiry and blatantly false information.

My own personal decision is one in favor of Amendment 2. As a faith leader in our community, however, my plea is simply that we engage in honest and educated inquiry.