Sept. 22, 2011 – The Catholic Mobilizing Network was hopeful those in positions of power and leadership would honor the dignity of all persons yesterday and exercise mercy for Troy Davis and Lawrence Brewer. The action of killing a person once rendered defenseless by the states degrades the dignity of all of us as citizens of this country. As a Church, we begin Respect for Life Month in October. The execution of Davis, surrounded by the considerable doubt of guilt, is a glaring reminder of the work that still needs to be done to end the use of the death penalty. The executions of Davis and Brewer should remind us that racism is still a major issue in this country, and that our work to end the use of the death penalty should include work towards racial justice. Please pray for all of the victims, their families and all those affected by this system of death.