Federal Executions Set to Resume Next Week (July 13-17)
“I draw the attention of society's leaders to the need to make every effort to eliminate the death penalty
and to reform the penal system in a way that ensures respect for the prisoners' human dignity.” -Pope Benedict XVI
Dear Respect Life Parish Coordinators and Prayer partners,
Beginning on Monday next week, there are three federal executions scheduled — the first executions by the federal government to take place in 17 years. In this special email please find important information shared by Catholic Mobilizing Network (CMN) to offer a few ways for our community to come together to lament this unnecessary and avoidable attack on human dignity.
Please consider joining a Virtual Prayer Vigilnext week for a man facing execution or plan a prayer vigil in your own parish or community. Use your own social media platform to create awareness and advocate for change by sharing the CMN's images found here. Or simply take a couple of minutes to watch the video message below.
The death penalty is unacceptable in all circumstances because it offends the dignity of human life. All life is valuable and each of us has been created in the image and likeness of God. People do not lose their humanity, even after the commission of a serious crime. As the Catholic tradition teaches, “the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person” (Catholic Catechism 2267)
Participate in a virtual prayer vigil
for Daniel Lee on Monday, July 13 at 1pm,
for Wesley Purkey on Wednesday, July 15 at 1pm,
for Dustin Honken on Friday, July 17 at 1pm.
Click on the image to join.
