(Washington, DC) Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued the following statement in response to the federal executions scheduled this week:
This 7-minute video reflection by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas was recorded on the occasion of the federal government's execution of Keith Dwayne Nelson on August 28, 2020.
In this moving testimony, Archbishop Naumann shares about his own experience as the son of a murder victim and affirms the Church's resounding call to end the practice of capital punishment.
Please enjoy this prayer from our friends at Education for Justice, written by Bill Griffin, CFX & Katherine Feely, SND.
Gracious God, Source of all Life,You bestow your life and love on each of us and call us to be a just and merciful people.Guide our efforts to work for justice in our legal system.
Watch the recorded Virtual Prayer Vigils held in lamentation of the federal government's 2020 restart of federal executions after a 17-year hiatus.
A series of graphics highlighting the connection between the martyrdom of St. Maximilian Kolbe and the federal government's 2020 campaign to restart the practice of executions for the first time in 17 years.
A collection of prayers by Catholic Mobilizing Network staff and collaborators, honoring the dignity of human life and calling for an end to capital punishment.
"Let us not rush to the language of healing, before understanding the fullness of the inquiry and the depth of the wound." A prayer by Rev. Dr. Yolanda Pierce.
Visit this series of thoughtful reflection questions and supplementary resources to explore the Catholic call to uphold the sanctity of life within the U.S. criminal legal system.
Racism is a wound—one that remains unhealed in our society, as evidenced by the modern-day lynching of George Floyd on May 25, 2020 at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. Hear how Pope Francis and U.S. Bishops responded to the killing, and learn how we are called to do the same.
CMN’s Mercy in Action Project gives YOU the tools you need to promote clemency for those on death row. Sign up today to start receiving monthly execution alerts.
More than 25,000 Catholics and people of faith have already pledged to educate, advocate, and pray for an end to the death penalty. Will you answer the call?
