Can an Educator Be Pro-Life?

Here is a story from the BBC (thanks to Amy Welborn), discussing some of the concerns being raised about the U.K.'s new education secretary:  "Scientists have expressed concerns that [Kelly's] religious views could hamper vital scientific research.  Ms Kelly, who is Catholic, is reported to be 'pro-life' and has opposed embryo research." 

I wish this were surprising.  Apparently, it is not enough that religious faith has been radically privatized; now, even the existence of "private" religious commitments disqualifies one from meaningful participation in the "public" square.  I'm reminded of the recent (and continuing) controversies in the United States over appointees to the federal judiciary, and of the claims advanced by many who oppose President Bush's nominees that pro-life, religious nominees should not be confirmed because they cannot be trusted to keep their faith "private."

To be clear:  I can certainly imagine some religious beliefs that, if sincerely held, would make it difficult for the believer to perform responsibly as the education secretary for (or a judge in) a large, secular nation.  I can also imagine some religious beliefs that, in my view, would get in the way of doing science, as I understand that enterprise.  But I cannot help being surprised that a commitment to the humanity and dignity of unborn children is such a belief.

Rick