Bending the Arc references a quote by Rev. Dr. King who said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This digital newsletter from the CSA Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation office showcases the work of changemakers, opportunities to learn, and opportunities for you to help “bend the arc” toward justice. Full contents of the newsletter are published on this page.
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Execute Justice, Not People
June 14, 2024
A select number of US states demonstrate a chilling commitment to the death penalty with at least seven scheduled executions this summer.
The Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes opposes the death penalty. In Pope Francis’ revised Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph number 2267, he reminds us: “The Church teaches, in light of the Gospel, that the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person, and she works with determination for its abolition worldwide.”
Still, the death penalty is legal in 27 U.S. states with Texas being responsible for the most executions over the years. The vast majority of states with capital punishment continue on a downward trend of executions, but Texas and Alabama have continued to go against the trend by carrying on with scheduled execution dates. Oklahoma, Florida, and Missouri have also executed people in the past year.
Polling indicates that public skepticism of the fairness and propriety of the death penalty continues to increase. And increasingly, bipartisan coalitions in legislatures are pushing to abolish it in states that haven’t already.
Advocates know that when we come together, we’re powerful. Women religious have always led the way in ensuring the dignity of persons, human rights, and justice are served.
Please consider calling or writing the governors or Boards of Pardons and Petitions in states that have scheduled executions to ask that they do everything within their power to stop the up to seven executions scheduled in their states this summer. For more information and resources, visit csasisters.org/dignity
Additionally, please sign any of the several petitions that Action Network has created for cases that have unique circumstances that must be considered before taking another life. They are:
Ramiro Gonzalez scheduled for execution June 26 in Texas.
Richard Rojem scheduled for execution June 27 in Oklahoma
Ruben Gutierrez scheduled for execution on July 16 in Texas
Keith Gavin scheduled for execution on July 18 in Alabama
Arthur Burton scheduled for execution on August 7 in Texas
Follow all execution petitions here: https://deathpenaltyaction.org/take-action/execution-petitions/
Lastly, please join Amnesty International and remind President Biden of his promise to work to eliminate the death penalty at the federal level.
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Death Penalty & Restorative Justice