NEWS RELEASE

Sisters of Charity, BVM Oppose Death Penalty

The Sisters of Charity, BVM have taken a public position of opposition to the death penalty, and pledged themselves to work for its abolition. The BVM Senate and gathered Assembly approved this stand during the community's summer meeting. The text of their position is:

"We, the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Dubuque, Iowa, oppose the death penalty. As women religious who are "being freed and helping others enjoy freedom m God's steadfast love'' we believe that all life is sacred. We stand in opposition to the devaluation of human life by capital punishment and the use of violence to exact retribution from the perpetrators of violent acts.

"We oppose the state sanctioned executions of our brothers and sisters done in our name and reject the argument that the death penalty is a deterrent to violence. We assert that violence only continues the cycle of violence and that it is through love that we can end violence.

"We embrace our sisters and brothers who have experiences loss of family members or friends in violent crimes and pray for their healing.

"We encourage one anther as members of the BVM congregation to work for the abolition of the death penalty through these or other means:

* By educating ourselves through articles m BVM publications and other resources such as Pax Christi publications and the U.S. Bishops' Good Friday Appeal to End the Death Penalty and Responsibility, Rehabilitation, Restoration;

* By advocating the use of resources for rehabilitation rather than execution;

* By encouraging the re-establishment of right relationship between perpetrator and victim through restorative justice programs;

* By attending prayer vigils in opposition to the death penalty;

* By writing letters visiting, ailing elected officials about abolishing the death penalty."

This stance underscores the community's understanding of justice as developing relationships, and their belief that "love, not violence, is the answer to violence."

They are committed to addressing the growing use of violence in society.
The 775-member community of Catholic sisters serves in education, peace and
justice, and pastoral ministries in 26 states, Ecuador, Guatemala and Ghana.