Executed

The state of South Dakota plans to execute Charles Rhines Monday, November 4, 2019 for the 1992 murder of  22-year old Donnivan Schaeffer. 

The Catholic Church teaches that the death penalty is unacceptable in all cases because it is "an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person." (Catholic Catechism 2267) 

Charles Rhines' legal team has filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus with the U.S. Supreme Court and has asked the Court to demand a federal district court to hear new evidence of jury members showing anti-gay bias towards Charles Rhines when determining his sentence.

For reasons we are not at liberty to share at this time, Mr. Rhines' attorneys are urging people to NOT contact Governor Noem while the petition for a writ of habeas corpus is pending. 

At times like these we may feel at a loss of what to do in the face of such egregious acts of violence. These are the moments when we pray for God's guidance and Grace. Please pray, on behalf of Charles Rhines, that this execution is stopped and that he feels God's peace and ever-present mercy. 

Please email emmat@catholicsmobilizing.org with any questions or concerns.

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