When in Rome

A rant is long overdue, and today I guess I am going to upset somebody.

Cardinal Keith O'Brien, is set to unleash an attack on the new embryology bill, describing aspects of embryological research as "Monstrous", and this is to be the keynote of his Easter Sunday Sermon. That scientific research should form the focus of Rome's concerns at the most important time in the religious calendar, is a reminder of the blind bigotry of the established religions, and is almost on a parallel with the imprisonment of Galileo by the inquisition for his assertion that the Earth went around the sun.

All research has its risks and of course have ethical considerations. There may be things that we are uncomfortable with, but without risk and without taking unpopular steps, we would still be living in the dark ages when the churches had absolute power.

We are fortunate that we live in times when, at least in countries where thinking is allowed, the power of the church is minimal. Separation of church from state is a vital step forward in the development of a modern and civilised society, and the thought of any religious group, attempting to dictate policy of governments is grotesque in its own way.

Yes research should be regulated, and it is, but not on the basis of medieval doctrines that were designed to keep the poor in their place. The church should keep its head in the clouds and if it must focus on earthly issues, then maybe should take a look at the treatment of young children by so many of its ministers - That really is Monstrous!