Catholic Mobilizing Network Marks the 15th World Day Against the Death Penalty
Catholic Mobilizing Network Marks the 15th World Day Against the Death Penalty
“This day challenges Catholics and all people of good will to educate, advocate, and pray to end the death penalty.”
Washington, DC – Catholic Mobilizing Network (CMN), the national Catholic organization working to end the death penalty and promote restorative justice, joins the international community in observing World Day Against the Death Penalty on October 10, 2017; a day that amplifies the Church’s social teaching and compels us to a renewed commitment to work to end the death penalty.
“World Day Against the Death Penalty provides an important reminder of the need to abolish the death penalty in our country. This year especially, as we reflect on the intersection between poverty and the death penalty, we are galvanized by our obligation as Catholics to have a preferential option for the poor and vulnerable,” Karen Clifton, Executive Director of Catholic Mobilizing Network remarked.
Poverty plays a critical role in whether or not someone receives a death sentence. From access to proper counsel at trial or extenuating circumstances like the inability to receive mental health services or a history of childhood abuse or trauma, poverty dramatically increases the likelihood of receiving a death sentence.
“The death penalty denies our call to uphold the sanctity of all life, particularly the command to care for those vulnerable and marginalized among us,” Clifton proclaimed. “As we prepare for ten additional executions by the end of this year, World Day Against the Death Penalty offers a poignant reminder of the work that lies ahead to build a culture of life in our country. This day challenges Catholics and all people of good will to educate, advocate, and pray to end the death penalty.”
More information about Catholic Mobilizing Network can be found at catholicsmobilizing.org.
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Catholic Mobilizing Network (CMN), a sponsored ministry of the Congregation of St. Joseph that works in close collaboration with United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, proclaims the Church’s pro-life teaching and prepares Catholics for informed involvement in the public debate to end the death penalty and promote restorative justice.