Statement on the Death Penalty

Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, PA

We, Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, root ourselves in God and in the Gospel of love. We believe in the inherent dignity of the human person and in the sacredness of all life. We are committed to act in solidarity with all God’s people and declare our opposition to the use of the death penalty as a means of punishment for human persons.

In a society where people are often judged by their economic status and the color of their skin, we are concerned that the death penalty disproportionally impacts minority communities and people who are poor.

We challenge the leadership of our country and our citizens to find alternative, compassionate, and creative ways to address the effects of violence that would strengthen rather than diminish the moral fabric of society. We urge one another never to give up on the sinner and always to hold out the possibility of repentance and conversion.

For these reasons, we are deeply troubled by the announcement that the United States Department of Justice plans to resume capital punishment. We strongly urge the federal government to abandon its announced plan and to abolish the death penalty once and for all.

August 2, 2019