Bending the Arc

Created in God’s image, humans have inherent dignity and worth. This belief of the Catholic Church lays the foundation for all other teachings. The Sisters of St. Agnes and their Associates honor the sacredness of human life from conception to natural death. During the Cold War, the Sisters supported human life by opposing the use of nuclear weapons; they declared their property to be a nuclear-free zone. After 9-11, the Sisters formulated a public stance on peace and nonviolence as a guide for personal and communal actions. In the last decade, they have adopted corporate stances against the death penalty (2006) and human trafficking (2007). These actions demonstrate the Sisters’ reverence for life and their commitment to a consistent ethic of life.

Other actions include writing letters to inmates and prisoners on death row. Sisters light candles, both at their Motherhouse and at Nazareth Court and Center, on the days a person is to be executed. They and their Associates sign petitions and make phone calls, begging to stop more killings. You are encouraged to join these efforts. Visit https://catholicsmobilizing.org/our-work/death-penalty/ for more information.

Four men are scheduled for execution in four different states in April. Visit https://deathpenaltyaction.org/ to learn how you can try to stop this cruel and unjust form of punishment or join a prayer vigil with https://catholicsmobilizing.org/our-work/death-penalty/ 

“The dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil.” – Saint Pope John Paul II
Pope Francis calls the death penalty inadmissible in this document.