In conference call with Catholics, McCain re-asserts ESCR support

The thorn:

While McCain is pro-life on the issue of abortion, he differs with the Catholic belief that embryonic stem cell research is immoral. The Catholic Church teaches that embryonic stem cell research is immoral because it involves the killing of embryos.
Austin Ruse from Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute (C-FAM) raised the issue with the Arizona senator by asking him whether he had considered changing his position on embryonic stem cell research given the dramatic scientific advances of the last two months.

McCain responded to Ruse’s question by saying that while he is “very encouraged” by the advances, he has yet to see “sufficient scientific evidence” to change his support for the practice. He added that he will continue to examine the issue and receive briefs on any progress being made.

This news item contradicts the rumor I had heard earlier that Sen. Sam Brownback had managed to persuade McCain to change his position on embryonic stem cell research. This is a troubling development.

After all, now is the perfect time for McCain to revise his position on this important issue, before he gets more media attention in the general election, and before a change could be construed as last-minute "flip-flopping."

On the other hand, I wonder how much pressure there is from Christians on this issue. It would not surprise me if we have ourselves to blame in some part for McCain not recognizing the importance of the issue.