The Newark, N.J., Roman Catholic Archdiocese has told pastors and Catholic school officials that holding Ice Bucket Challenges, a popular fad that has raised millions of dollars to combat a crippling illness, conflicts with church teachings by funding embryonic stem-cell research.

The warning was issued in a letter from a church official and with the blessing of Archbishop John J. Myers. It said some of the research funded by the ALS Association, which is supported by the Ice Bucket Challenge, involves embryonic stem-cell research, which is opposed by the church because of conflicts with its antiabortion mission.

The challenge involves dumping ice water on participants’ heads and donating money for research into ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The Rev. Lawrence Fama, director of the archdiocesan Office of Respect Life, called the challenge “a stunt” that can be “fun and engaging,” but questioned whether it conflicts with “Catholic moral teaching.”

Newark is one of just a few dioceses across the nation that have issued advisories about the Ice Bucket Challenge, which has become a social media sensation.

The Newark archdiocese sent the letter Thursday to principals at all its 94 Catholic schools and to pastors and religious education staff at 218 parishes. It suggested sending donations to organizations that don’t use embryonic stem-cell research.

The ALS Association responded with a statement that it is funding one study that uses embryonic stem cells, and that research is funded by “one specific donor who is committed to this area of research.”

“In fact, donors may stipulate that their funds not be invested in this study or any stem-cell project,” the statement said.