The following statement was issued by Bishop Rojas on Oct. 20.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we observe Respect Life Month in our Church we are being confronted with disturbing and tragic promotion of the culture of death by government leaders. This relates to the death penalty, of which the United States is one of a minority of countries in the world that still practice it, and which our Catholic faith compels us to oppose, based on our belief in the inherent dignity of every human person.
Earlier this month we saw the barbarism and cruelty of capital punishment play out in Tennessee when attempts to kill Krista Pike by lethal injection failed and left her critically injured and perhaps permanently disabled. Then came the announcement from the federal Department of War that the execution of Nidal Hasan in December would be made a public spectacle via YouTube livestream. Thankfully, the President made a good decision to cancel the livestream. But the execution of Hasan by a firing squad will go forward.
It is important to state clearly that the murderous violence carried out by both Pike and Hasan is reprehensible and against all that we believe about the sanctity of human life. At the same time, we remember the words of St. Paul that we shall not ‘repay anyone evil for evil.’ (Romans 12:17). Yet, when our government leaders promote capital punishment through brutal methods and consider making it viewable to the public, an atmosphere of bloodlust and violent retribution is created. This appeals to the darkest shadows of our human nature and sin.
God asks much more of us. As people of faith and as a society traditionally grounded in Christian morality, we are called to the values of mercy and redemption. Our respect for life, which we celebrate this month, applies even to those who commit terrible acts.
Eight years ago, Pope Francis approved a revision to the Catechism clarifying that our Church opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and works with determination for its abolition worldwide. Why? In the light of the Gospel, “it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the human person,” states the reworded paragraph 2267.
Please join me in prayer that our country will turn away from the culture of death, including capital punishment, abortion and any other taking of human life. And let us continue to be a voice for life, dignity and justice in our communities.