US: National Catholic pledge to end death penalty

Source: USCCB

Catholic Mobilizing Network, a national organization working in close collaboration with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and living the mission of the Congregation of St Joseph are encouraging all Catholics in the USA to take a pledge to fight for the abolition of the death penalty. About 140 countries have abolished capital punishment, but it is still used in 58 countries.

The USA is ranked fifth in the world for the highest number of executions after China, Iran, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia - ahead of Yemen and the Sudan.

“All Christians and people of good will are thus called today to fight not only for the abolition of the death penalty, whether legal or illegal, and in all its forms, but also in order to improve prison conditions, with respect for the human dignity of the people deprived of their freedom” - Pope Francis #Pledge4Mercy

The Pledge:

In response to Pope Francis’s call, I pledge to educate, advocate, and pray for the end of the death penalty:

Educate

• I will educate myself and my community about the injustices of the death penalty, including the ways it risks innocent life, fails victims’ families, and contradicts the Catholic Church’s pro-life teaching.

Advocate

• I will fulfill the call to discipleship by advocating for the dignity of all life, including those who are on death row and awaiting execution, and by actively working to end the death penalty in my state and in my country.

Pray

• I will pray for mercy and healing for all who are involved in the criminal justice system: victims of crime and their families, those in prison and on death row, communities where crimes are committed, and all who work in the legislative system.

God of mercy, help me to remember your loving compassion as I go forward to work for an end to the death penalty. Allow me to be a vessel for your mercy, so as to heal the broken and welcome the outcast. Amen.

Sign up to the pledge here: https://catholicsmobilizing.org/action/pledge