Dr. Dale A. Meyer, president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will attend a special White House reception on Wednesday, June 20, where President George W. Bush’s will deliver “Remarks on Embryonic Stem Cell Research.” Meyer was one of nearly 200 guests invited to the reception.

“I am honored to attend this special reception on one of the most significant issues of our day,” commented Meyer. “Life is a gift from God and it is critical that the church provide a clear and forceful voice in defending this precious gift.”

President Bush authorized the first federal funding for embryonic stem cell research in 2001, but only with the safeguard that funds would not be used to support the creation, destruction or harming of living human embryos. Bush’s policy was challenged this year when both the Senate and the House of Representatives voted in support of legislation that would overturn this safeguard. Bush has stated that he will veto any bill that supports the deliberate destruction of human embryos.

For more information, contact Communications, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105; 314-505-7374; communications@csl.edu.