UPDATE ON THE DEATH PENALTY

In 2006, death sentences were the lowest they had been in thirty years. Executions have sharply declined. Many state legislatures are considering a moratorium on capital punishment. Over 200 people convicted and incarcerated for capital crimes have been found innocent as the result of DNA testing. The 2006 Gallup Poll shows that for the first time in two decades Americans by a 1 percent margin—48 percent to 47 percent—prefer life without parole over capital punishment. It is time for a renewed commitment to this important social justice issue.

Several years ago, St James Parish underwent an extensive reflection process. The outcome of that process was the following “Statement on the Death Penalty.” Parishioners are encouraged to read this statement and to reflect on “A Basis for Action.”

Each parishioner is urged to share the intent of this statement with our state legislators, the Governor and the Attorney General.

THE PARISH REFLECTION PROCESS

For a year and a half, the Catholic community of Saint James has undertaken a process of reflection on capital punishment and its relationship to the teachings of the Church. Parishioners were asked to express their views, pro and con, on a draft “Statement on the Death Penalty” which was being considered for adoption by the parish. Four well attended public meetings were held to which all parishioners were invited. In publicizing them, respectful listening and serious attention to all points of view were promised. Informational articles were published in the parish newsletter, as was the draft of the Statement. The draft was also circulated for comment on the Saint James discussion listserve. The overwhelming response opposes capital punishment. There are undoubtedly some parishioners who do not share the position expressed in this statement. However we believe this statement represents the general belief of the parish that affirms the position of the Church in opposing the death penalty. The Statement which follows reflects the results of this process.

THE STATEMENT

We believe that all human life is sacred. We believe that abolishing the death penalty acknowledges that God is the Lord of life and harmonizes society with the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who taught us to replace the old law of “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” with an attitude of mercy, even toward those who commit evil against us. We believe that the sacredness of every person, no matter how evil his or her actions, is open to conversion, repentance, reform and rehabilitation, even when incarceration is permanent. Every one of us is loved unconditionally by God and is open to God’s redemption. This possibility can never be taken away. Our call for the abolition of capital punishment should not be construed as lack of compassion for those who have been victimized by violent crime. They should expect swift and just punishment for those committing crimes. Medical, financial and spiritual help should be provided them. But concern for their well-being must avoid demands for vengeance and instead reflect the deep compassion of Jesus who taught and practiced forgiveness and mercy. In January 1999, our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II called us to “end the death penalty, which is both cruel and unnecessary.” He begs us to stand against capital punishment. For all of the above reasons, we believe that the death penalty is morally unacceptable and we call for its abolition.

THE POLITICAL CONTEXT

This Statement acknowledges the political context in which this debate takes place and we affirm our belief that: The death penalty does not deter serious crime in our nation nor alleviate the fear of violent crime, according to studies. The death penalty is not imposed with fairness, falling disproportionately on racial and ethnic minorities, mentally handicapped and the poor. The U.S. General Accounting Office concluded in 1990 that race of the victim was found to influence the likelihood of being charged with capital murder or receiving the death penalty. The death penalty is not imposed in such a way as to prevent the execution of innocent death row inmates. The American Bar Association concluded the death penalty is “a haphazard maze of unfair practices with no internal consistency.” It has called for a moratorium on executions. No state, including California, meets the minimum standard developed by the American Bar Association for appointment, performance and compensation of counsel for indigent prisoners. Family members of victims of murder go through years of trauma that is prolonged by the death penalty process. “Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole” is an appropriate response to a capital offense. It ends the possibility that violent felons will be released. Any statement in and of itself carries little weight unless it becomes the inspiration and springboard for actions by people of good will. Therefore, we will take the following steps that include Saint James Parish, the Diocese, the Davis community and the political arena in the hope of sustaining the intent and moral belief that capitol punishment be abolished. In everything we will, through prayer, seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

At Saint James:

1. share the finalized document with all parishioners through the SCROLL 2. include in our “Prayers of the Faithful” a prayer for the victims and those facing execution
3. Include in St James School and Religious Education, a section on the Church’s teaching on the death penalty
4. encourage homilies, where appropriate, to address the death penalty issue

In the Diocese of Sacramento:

1. submit the Statement to Bishop William Weigand and the Office of Social Justice
2. encourage parishes to adopt similar statements

In the City of Davis:

Forward the Statement for discussion with other faith communities to foster a joint religious community-wide effort including: 1. joining the national “bells ring” solidarity effort
2. community education/reflection forums-collecting signatures calling for the end of the death penalty Legislative Arena
3. submitting the Statement to legislative leaders-the Governor, our State Assembly and Senate representative, Yolo County Board of Supervisors, District Attorney, City Council

Regional and statewide efforts:

1. join the Capitol candlelight vigils
2. participate with other organizations in seeking a legislative remedy to ending the death penalty.

For additional information on the Parish death penalty statement contact Deacon Clark Goecker (530) 756-4148 or Guy Turner, Chair of the Gospel Justice Committee (530) 297-6449. • Guy Turner