According to Korea Times,

South Koreas Catholic church plans to donate 10 billion won ($9.61 million) for adult stem cell research to counter the burgeoning studies on embryonic stem cells.

Toward that end, the Seoul Diocese yesterday set up a committee to allocate the funds and appointed Bishop Yeom Soo-jung to head it.

“We decided to establish this committee to boost adult stem cell research that will treat hard-to-cure diseases practically. We hope our efforts will mark a turning point to wash away a recent tendency of making light of life, as shown by embryonic stem cell experiments, Yeom said.

He added the 10 billion won is the largest amount ever contributed by any Catholic church in any country for adult stem cell research [yes, and by a 10 billion won margin – ed]

The Catholic church has been opposed to stem cell experiments with embryos, pioneered here by Seoul National University professor Hwang Woo-suk, because of the churchs belief that embryos are human lives.

– David Magnus