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Archbishop Michael Sheehan of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santa Fe is asking Gov. Bill Richardson to reconsider his plan to ask the Legislature next year to finance stem cell research.

"The church is opposed to embryonic stem cell research because it kills innocent human life," Sheehan said in a statement issued Wednesday. "We believe that there are strong ethical issues involved here. Even a small embryo is a human being."

Richardson on Tuesday proposed $4 million for stem cell research facilities at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. He called for $4 million to recruit scientists and provide them with equipment and staff and $2 million to train medical students and others in that field of research.

State funding of the proposed UNM facilities would allow research to take place despite restrictions on the use of federal money for embryonic stem cell research.

The archbishop asked Richardson to limit the proposed program to adult stem cells, which are found in various tissues such as bone marrow. Embryonic stem cells are building blocks that develop into different types of tissue.

Sheehan said the moral chasm between adult and embryonic stem cell research is great.

"We strongly condemn any kind of stem cell research that would reduce the embryo to an object from which to steal body parts," he said.

Bishops Donald E. Pelotte of Gallup and Richardo Ramirez of Las Cruces concurred with Sheehan.

Sheehan also said that opposition to embryonic stem cell research shouldn't be confused with opposition to stem cell research generally.

"We can all support many kinds of exciting and forward-looking avenues of stem cell research - like umbilical cord and adult stem cell research - with a clear conscience," he said.

Jon Goldstein, a spokesman for the governor, said Richardson looks forward to sitting down with church leaders to hear their concerns before next year's legislative session.

"Gov. Richardson appreciates the input and support he has received over the years from the archdiocese, and he understands and respects their position on this issue," Goldstein said.