Oct 11, 2016
by Gabino Zavala, Justice and Peace Coordinator
When Pope Francis addressed Congress on his visit to the United States in 2015 he called for an end to the death penalty. In a video message supporting the sixth World Congress against capital punishment, which was held in Oslo, Norway in June 21-23, 2016, Pope Francis said that the practice brings no justice to victims, but instead fosters vengeance.
“Indeed, nowadays, the death penalty is unacceptable, however grave the crime of the convicted person,” Pope Francis said in the message released June 21. “It is an offense to the inviolability of life and to the dignity of the human person; it likewise contradicts God’s plan for individuals and society, and his merciful justice,” the pope said.
Today in California there is a Proposition on this November’s ballot that if passed will repeal the death penalty. This is Proposition 62. There’s also a Proposition on the ballot that would expedite the executions of those men and woman on death row. This is Proposition 66. The California Catholic Conference of Bishops issued the following statement, endorsing Proposition 62, and opposing Proposition 66:
“During this Jubilee Year of Mercy, we, the Catholic Bishops of California support proposition 62, which would end the use of the death penalty in California. Our commitment to halt the practice of capital punishment is rooted both in the Catholic faith and our pastoral experience.
All life is sacred — innocent or flawed — just as Jesus Christ taught us and demonstrated repeatedly throughout his ministry. This focus on the preciousness of human life is fundamental to Christianity and most eloquent expressed in the two great commandments. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mk. 12:30-31) “
As a Precious Blood family we have taken a public corporate stance in opposition of the death penalty. We urge the Precious Blood Members and Companions in California to vote “yes” on proposition 62 and “no” on Proposition 66. For those of us not in California, I urge you to be in solidarity with our California Members and Companions in prayer as they work to end the death penalty.
Oct 11, 2016
Pope Francis reminds us that being involved in the political process “is one of the highest forms of love, because it is in the service of the common good.” For your reflection as you prepare to go to the polls we offer you some excerpts from A Revolution of Tenderness: A 2016 Election Pope Francis Voter Guide.
Our Political Foundation: The Sacred Gift of Life and Creation
“The great gift of life is the first gift we have received. Sometimes we risk forgetting about this, as if we were the masters of our existence while instead we are radically dependent. In fact, it is a source of great joy to hear that at every age in life, in every situation, in every social condition, we are and remain sons and daughters.”—Pope Francis (General Audience, June 18, 2015)
The inviolable dignity of each and every human person, especially those who are vulnerable, is the foundational political concern for Catholics. That dignity becomes meaningless unless human life is valued both in our laws and in our culture. Indeed, as Americans, we believe, as our Declaration of Independence states, that the very purpose of government is to promote “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Catholics stand four-square in opposition to any and all dishonor to human dignity and to life.
Today, human dignity and life is degraded by racism, violence, abortion, war, the death penalty, euthanasia, human trafficking, torture, environmental damage, and poverty. We believe that these issues are all related. In many situations, there are often nuances and root causes that need to be addressed. A person whom we persuade to respect the rights of immigrants is a person more likely to understand our concern for pregnant mothers and children. Those who share our commitment to supporting family life must be challenged to embrace programs that provide affordable healthcare to everyone. A government that ignores the cries of the poor is a government that’s more likely not to account for the horrific human cost of war.
We believe that only by defending against all threats to life and creation will Catholics be able to credibly make the case for the culture of life and inclusion.
Questions to Consider When Reading About or Listening to Candidates:
● How does each candidate talk about preventing mass shootings and gun violence in our streets?
● What alternatives to abortion and euthanasia does each candidate discuss, such as assistance and support to expectant mothers, in particular those who are low-income?
This voter guide was put together for your prayerful reflection by the following coalition of national Catholic organizations:
Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good
Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach
Conference of Major Superiors of Men
Faith in Public Life: Catholic Program
Franciscan Action Network
Leadership Conference of Women Religious
National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd
Pax Christi USA
Pax Christi International
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas’ Extended Justice Team
The complete document can be accessed at https://franciscanaction.org/article/revolution-tenderness-2016-voter-election-guide.
