Rt. Rev. Damien Thompson, O.C.S.O.
Abbot, Abbey of Gethsemani
3642 Monks Road
Trappist KY 40051
August 15, 2003 Feast of the Assumption
Dear Father Damien,
The Kentucky Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty continues to work toward
that day when our General Assembly and Governor, as well as the people of the state,
agree to abandon the use of the death penalty for capital murderers.
As a contributor to our efforts, both spiritually and financially, I know that you
and the other monks share this same goal.
KCADP depends on the generosity of like thinkers. Our membership ranges from
those on fixed incomes to several with access to millions of dollars. Across this spectrum,
people have been most generous. Our records indicate a substantial gift from Gethsemani
for $2,000 in 2001.
Various board members, including myself, have contributed significantly year
after year and are seeking out individuals and organizations capable of making a
commitment to contribute annually for the next five years.
It costs us between $50,000 and $70,000 each year to maintain the office and pay
staff. This year, given the economic times, one 4-time staff person was cut to 4-time.
We hope to change that by seeking non-binding pledges from friends to make a generous
contribution in each of the next five years.
We slowly make progress. KCADP led the effort to ban executions of mentally
retarded persons (1990); the passage of the Kentucky Racial Justice Act (1998); and the
push to have Governor Patton commute the death sentence of Kevin Stanford, the only
person on death row for a crime committed before the age of 18. The Governor has
promised to commute this sentence before leaving office this year.
The Abbey is one of our faithful friends and we are hoping you are in a position
to help us now. I can make budgets, financial information, and activity reports available
when needed. I am also available to answer any questions about this request.
In addition to chairing the Coalition, I am the Interim Executive Director of the
Catholic Conference of Kentucky and can be reached at that office during normal
business hours. The Conference phone is 502.875.4345. My home phone in Louisville is
502.581.9154.
Thank you so much for considering this request.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Rev. Patrick Delahanty
Chair
KCADP
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