Catholic parishes, missions and schools are to end any support for or participation in activities related to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, according to the Atlanta Archdiocese and Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory.

Instead, the archdiocese is suggesting support be directed to other organizations that support breast cancer research. It named two organizations: the Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer, in Hoffman, Ill., and The Breast Cancer Prevention Institute, in Somerville, N.J.

On Oct. 1, the archdiocese, with the full support of Archbishop Gregory, stated its new position, after first applauding Komen’s efforts to combat breast cancer through education, screening, and programs for those in financial need. At the same time, it criticized support by some Komen affiliates given to Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider.

Pat Chivers, director of communications for the archdiocese, said she suggests individuals stop participating in Komen-related events.

“Catholics are now aware of the concerns raised regarding grants given by some Komen affiliates to Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest provider and promoter of abortion, a group whose goals and activities are in direct opposition to the teachings of the Catholic Church on the sanctity of human life,” she said.

She said the policy was stated now because parishes asked about participating in Komen events in October, like its upcoming “Worship in Pink Weekend.” On that Sunday, supporters come out in pink shirts, pink socks, pink ties and other clothing to promote cancer prevention and treatment and to honor survivors.

Following is the statement in full:

The Archdiocese of Atlanta acknowledges the beneficial work of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in the area of breast cancer education, screening, treatment, and programs for those in financial need. We are also aware of the concerns raised regarding grants given by some Komen affiliates to Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest provider and promoter of abortion, a group whose goals and activities are in direct opposition to the teachings of the Catholic Church on the sanctity of human life.

Until recently, donations to the greater Atlanta affiliate of the Komen fund did not constitute a direct cooperation with evil, because none of the money they raised went to Planned Parenthood. However, the local affiliate was involved in recent events which had the Komen fund initially ceasing all assistance to Planned Parenthood and then reversing itself. According to news reports and Facebook postings by Komen Atlanta, they worked behind the scenes to encourage the national Komen office to resume funding for Planned Parenthood – this public declaration of support for Planned Parenthood is an occasion for scandal.

In light of these actions by both the national and the local Komen fund, the Archdiocese of Atlanta has reached the conclusion that support for Susan G. Komen for the Cure by Catholic parishes/missions/schools should be brought to an end. We no longer support the Komen fund in any manner because of this very public display of pro-abortion conformity. We found the action of the Komen fund disappointing, discouraging, and we do not see how continued support is possible at this time.