For followers of the Roman Catholic Church, their lived attitudes, values ​​and beliefs diverge in some ethical decisions from the teachings of the Catholic Church. These traditional ideas presented by the Church are now being questioned by a more secular society. There has been a shift in ethical perspectives on the part of the laity, away from the traditional teachings of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, as demonstrated specifically in the ethical issue of embryonic stem cell research. The divergent views of laypeople are shaped by contemporary society and the various ethical theories that underpin the experiences of Catholic adherents, including informed conscience and proportionalism. To investigate this issue, qualitative research was conducted in the form of interviews with lay people in the Roman Catholic Church, exploring their attitudes towards stem cell research and why they believe there is a difference between the Church's ideas and lay people. As a result, an identifiable divergence was identified. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The teaching authority of the Church, the Magisterium, presents what is morally and ethically acceptable through the eyes of a Catholic lens. These ideas derive from the Word of God, being clarified by both Scripture and tradition. It shapes the lived actions of the adherents. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (showing the beliefs of Catholics) supports this by stating that «the task of authentically interpreting the Word of God has been entrusted exclusively to the Magisterium of the Church. However, controversy regarding the role of the Magisterium has become prevalent, an argument that arises from the concept that there are limits to the nature of teachings and which leads to some ethical dilemmas with infallibility – the inability to make mistakes. We see adherents questioning the role of the Magisterium due to its short-sighted constitution. Only the pope and bishops are involved in the process, creating a demographic representative exclusively of older, unmarried males committed to a life of celibacy. A Catholic secondary school teacher commented on this in an interview, stating that «in a certain sense the Magisterium is a dictatorship. Decisions are made for the people but not by the people." The narrow demographic that makes up the Magisterium presents points of view that are not representative of all adherents and, as a result, differences of ideas arise. The ethical question of stem cell research has caused a variation of ideas between the Church and the laity. Stem cell science can be divided into two parts: adult (tissue-specific) cells and embryonic (pluripotent) cells. For the purposes of this investigation, embryonic stem cells will be addressed. "Stem Cell Australia" defines pluripotent cells as "the most primitive type of stem cell". They can be maintained indefinitely in the laboratory as self-renewing stem cells. This feature is important for research, but the process of obtaining these cells is where a conflict of ideas occurs. It is important to note that the Church supports the evolution of science, considering it a hope for those who need it. This only happens when human life is violated through the destruction of an embryo, with the consequent loss of the person's dignity. Accordingly, the Church accepts the concept of adult cell research, as it does not destroy human life. The Church considers the use of embryos immoral, as demonstrated in the encyclicalsincluding "Dignitas Personae" and "Evangelium Vitae", as well as by important Catholic personalities. Pope John Paul II stated in the encyclical “Gospel of Life”: “The human body must be respected and treated as a person from the moment of conception. Specifically, in Evangelium Vitae the importance of life and human dignity is shown as man is "a manifestation of God in the world, a sign of his presence, a trace of his glory". This idea is corroborated in the 'Dignitas Personae' which illustrates that the role of the Church is not to dictate what happens in the medical field, but to guarantee, "the ethical value of biomedical science is measured in reference both to unconditional respect owed to every human being in every moment of his existence and the defense of the specificity of the personal act that transmits life". It is therefore clear that in the eyes of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church there is no legitimate way to obtain embryonic cells. The Church's point of view identified a clear divergence of ideas between the Church and the laity, as a result of the ethical theories followed. Interviews were conducted to assess the degree to which the teachings of the Magisterium are embraced by lay people. The interviewees were faithful present at the mass, a teacher candidate for a doctorate in philosophy, a neonatologist and a Christian brother. Of those who attended mass, five agreed to the Church's teaching, an example shown by an Australian male in his mid-50s. On the issue of research on embryonic stem cells, he explained how, in his opinion, "it goes against the dignity of the human person". Five other mass attendees disagreed with the Church's teachings, viewing stem cell research as an “important part of society. Develop as a community and promote human development. It is also important to note that four adherents conditionally dissented. Various reasons included that it was not used for research and that it was done in an ethical manner, as another interviewee, a secondary school teacher, demonstrated, explaining that "there should be careful guidelines and ethical policies regarding the use of embryos" . The divergence of perspectives is explained by an interviewed Christian brother, who represents the teachings of the Church, stating: "Lay people are no longer 'blindly obedient' to the rules/teachings of the Church." Although their ideas are built on different contexts, this evidence gives an in-depth understanding of why and how lay people are following their own ideas, moving away from the teachings of the Church. More and more members are following their conscience. Catholic moral theology brings out the notion of 'primacy of conscience'. Interchangeable with "informed conscience", it shows that an adherent's conscience is the final and overall authority in deciding moral and ethical behavior, even if it contradicts the teachings of the Church. This idea is illustrated by the Christian Brother interviewed, showing that 'The church sets forth the ideal. But ultimately, an individual is responsible to his God. He/she must follow his/her conscience.' Confirmation is given by various encyclicals such as 'Gaudium et Spes', which states: "It is their task to cultivate a well-informed conscience and to imprint divine law in the affairs of the earthly city" and by Pope Francis, stating 'The contemporary world risks confuse the primacy of conscience, which must always be respected." Collectively, these three Church sources advocate the importance of forming a personal conscience and following it when it conflicts with Church teaching. The distinctive views of laypeople are the result of the numerous ethical theories that support adherents' lived experiences. These theories”..