Catholic World News

USCCB committee: end life sentences without parole for minors

January 31, 2013

The Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has endorsed the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth, an initiative that calls for an end to the possibility of life sentences without parole for persons under the age of 18.

“While there is no question that violent and dangerous youth need to be confined for their safety and that of society, the USCCB does not support provisions that treat children as though they are equal to adults in their moral and cognitive development,” said Bishop Stephen Blaire of Stockton, the chairman of the committee. “Life sentences without parole eliminate the opportunity for rehabilitation or second chances.”

 


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  • Posted by: unum - Feb. 01, 2013 9:52 AM ET USA

    Now the USCCB believes they are experts on criminal justice as gang bangers blow each other and innocent citizens away in our cities. It would be helpful to see some credentials, other than their affiliation with progressive Protestant churches, to provide authenticity to their calls for political action. Catholics have difficulty seeing the moral teaching that we are supposed take away from the bishops' political stands. We are still waiting for them to "teach as Jesus did".