Q: Why did the Bishops of Ohio make their decision about Catholic fundraising for Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Komen)?

A: For some years a number of Catholics have questioned fundraisers held under Catholic auspices in support of Komen. On a national level Komen makes use of Planned Parenthood (the nation’s largest abortion provider) for some of its services, and Komen has publicly affirmed its openness to embryonic stem cell research. Although local Komen affiliates do not necessarily support these things, a portion of their funds go to the national organization which does. In light of the concerns and misgivings of many Catholics, which the Bishops of Ohio share, a decision was made to direct fundraising by Catholic schools and parishes, in the name of the Catholic people, to other national breast care foundations and local health care facilities.

Q: Does the Ohio Bishops’ decision constitute a blanket condemnation or ban of Komen?

A: No, it does not. The Ohio Bishops have not condemned or censured the work of Komen. In their collective decision the Bishops did not exclude the possibility that individual Catholics who want to contribute to Komen locally may continue to do so with Komen’s assurance that no local funds go to Planned Parenthood or to embryonic stem cell research. However, when funds are raised by schools or parishes (and therefore in the name of the Catholic Church and her members) then the Bishops felt the need to maintain some distance from Komen.

Q: How will the Ohio Bishops’ decision affect Catholic school teams’ participation in Komen’s Race for the Cure?

A: Given that our school and parish fundraising efforts should now be directed to Mercy instead of Komen, Catholic schools should not send or endorse a team in the Race for the Cure.

Q: What if individual students or a group of students participate in the Komen Race for the Cure on their own?

A: The Ohio Bishops’ decision is to refrain from making gifts to Komen in the name of schools and parishes on behalf of the Catholic people, given the concerns that many Catholics have about certain of Komen’s policies. Individuals, including students, who still wish to participate or contribute on their own can do so, but are urged to give serious consideration to the concerns identified by their Bishops. And it goes without saying that a Catholic school should not facilitate students’ participation or financial contribution. Also, the wearing of school logos can cause misunderstandings and should therefore be avoided.

Q: What about sporting events such as “Kick for the Cure”, “Volley for the Cure”, “Swing for the Cure,” etc.?

A: If an event to benefit Komen is organized and sponsored by the Ohio High School Athletic Association, a league, or another organization as part of regular season play to which a Catholic school is committed, then the Catholic school can participate. The Komen fundraising has to be the work of the sponsoring organization and not the Catholic school.

Q: What about participation in CYO sporting events? In the past, some teams have worn pink ribbons on their uniforms in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

A: CYO should direct its fundraising efforts to Mercy. Wearing pink items not associated with Komen is certainly acceptable. The bishops fully support breast cancer awareness and medical research that respects the life and dignity of all human life, born and unborn.

Q: Will a local Komen affiliate be welcome to present breast care awareness and educational events in Catholic schools?

A: For several years, Mercy has educated Catholic high school junior and seniors about breast care awareness. Currently, Mercy is in conversation with Diocesan staff to expand that education into other Catholic schools. There is no objection to a Komen educator being present, provided that whoever does the presenting is respectful of the Ohio Bishops’ decision, should the question arise, and provided that no fundraising appeal is made for Komen.

Q: Will there be any kind of fundraising event sponsored by Mercy Cancer Centers?

A: The diocese is in dialogue with Mercy to determine the feasibility of such an event that would include student leadership from our schools. At this time no decision has been made.

Q: Mercy is sponsoring the Survivors’ Tent at the Race for the Cure. How are people to understand this?

A: Mercy made a commitment to the NW Ohio Race for the Cure to host the Survivors’ Tent prior to the announcement in Toledo of the Ohio Bishops’ decision.

Q: Doesn’t Mercy receive Komen grants?

A: Yes, these grants are awarded based on community need by the local Komen affiliate for mammography assistance and community education to the following hospitals in our diocese that are part of the Mercy health system: Mercy Tiffin Hospital, Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center and Mercy Women’s Care at St. Anne and St. Charles hospitals.

For more information on Mercy Cancer Centers, visit www.mercyweb.org/cancer.aspx. For information on two other organizations recommended by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, visit the National Breast Care Foundation website at www.nationalbreastcancer.org/ or the Breast Cancer Prevention Institute website at www.bcpinstitute.org