Resolution Calling for Abolition of the Death Penalty
Archdiocese of Louisville Priests' Council
August, 2000
The Priests' Council of the Archdiocese of Louisville, affirming its belief in God
as the author of life and in the dignity of every human person now expresses its
opposition to the use of the death penalty and calls for its abolition. We take this
stand for the following reasons:
1.J esus calls us to love and forgive even our enemies, and to reform our hearts
and lives, replacing anger and retaliation with reconciliation. (Mt. 5:2I-45). Recent
statements of Pope J ohn Paul Il, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and
pastoral letters issued by the Catholic bishops of Kentucky, all teach that the use
of the death penalty is inconsistent with our Catholic emphasis on the value of all
human life and urge us to live a consistent ethic of respect for all life by opposing
its continued use.
2. As Christian leaders we have a duty to foster unity with God and forgiveness
within the human family. We cannot uphold a practice that deliberately removes
some of the members from our human family by killing them. The words of
Eucharistic Prayer Ill, "In mercy and love unite all your children wherever they
may be," include all those on death row. It is impossible to unite with those you
intend to kill.
3. Victims’ voices are the most compelling. The Holy Father forgave his own
attacker. In this country, members of Murder Victim Families for Reconciliation
urge the abolition of the death penalty. They tell us that the answer lies in
supporting those who grieve for their lost loved ones, not creating more grieving
families. It is time we break the cycle of violence. To those who say society must
take a life for a life, MVFR members say: "not in our name."
4. There is ample scientific evidence that the death penalty is applied in a
racially biased manner. Several studies by researchers at the University of
Louisville concluded that in Kentucky racial bias is a key factor in selecting
defendants for capital prosecution.
5. Death sentences are overwhelmingly applied to the poor.
6. Prisoner appeals have been severely curtailed, increasing the risk of longer
imprisonment and execution of innocent people.
7. Life without possibility of parole is a sentencing option in Kentucky since J uly
15, 1998.
8. The ever-increasing number of those who are wrongfully convicted and
released from death row clearly calls for the abolition of the death penalty.
Therefore, on behalf of the priests of the Archdiocese of Louisville, we commit
ourselves and ask our brother priests to commit themselves to the following:
e To work with Kentucky Murder Victims Families for Reconciliation and
others to support those grieving for their lost loved ones; to pray for the
victims and their families, for the offenders and their families, for the
innocent and the guilty, for judges, jurors, attorneys, police officers, prison
Officials and all affected by violent crime.
e To oppose the imposition of a death sentence by the Commonwealth of
Kentucky, the United States or any other entity.
e To encourage all archdiocesan priests and parishioners through homilies
and other educational means to work toward the abolition of the death
penalty by asking their elected representatives to repeal all laws allowing
for death sentences.
e To call upon the Office of Lifelong Formation and Education and the
Respect Life Office to collaborate to ensure that the Church's teaching on
this matter is included as part of the curriculum in their various educational
programs, especially those associated with the dignity of human life.
e To support each other to grow in non-violence as a way of life.
We further direct that copies of this resolution shall be forwarded to Governor
Paul Patton, Lieutenant Governor Steve Henry, Attorney General Ben Chandler,
state representatives and senators, and the Kentucky Congressional delegation.
Signed by President of the Priests’ Council
Date: August, 2000
