Local, state, and national leaders continue to urge Governor Gavin Newsom to commute the sentences of all individuals on California’s death row before he leaves office. As this campaign progresses, there’s an ongoing need to educate California citizens on the realities of the death penalty and the Church’s opposition to the practice.

In February 2026, CMN staff traveled to California for educational events and opportunities to advance this important campaign.

Religious Education Congress

The annual RECongress brings together a global community of believers, religious educators, and ministry professionals to renew their faith and spirit through transformative workshops, meaningful connections, and engaging Liturgies.

CMN staffed a booth in the exhibit hall where participants could learn more about the work to end the death penalty and advance restorative justice, receive free resources, and sign a post card to Gov. Newsom urging him to take life-saving action by commuting the death row.

Outside of the RECongress, CMN partnered with the Clemency California campaign and the St. Camillus Center for Pastoral Care to host a Prayer Walk to End the Death Penalty. Nearly 100 people gathered for public witness through prayer and testimony to pray for all who are impacted by capital punishment and for the ongoing effort to abolish the revenge-driven practice in California and throughout the country.

Event with the Diocese of Orange: Is the death penalty a pro-life issue?

In collaboration with the Office of Restorative Justice in the Diocese of Orange, CMN hosted a conversation on the Church’s pro-life teaching on the death penalty — and why it matters. The presentation answered some of the most common questions about capital punishment and consider what defending human dignity asks of us in the response to violence.

Visit to Rosary High School

CMN’s Emmjolee Mendoza Waters visited her alma mater to present to senior-level Theology and AP Government classes. These emerging leaders are critical to the death penalty abolition movement. Young adults consistently oppose capital punishment at higher rates than their older counterparts and understand that the death penalty perpetuates racism, targets vulnerable populations, and risks innocent lives.