US bishops call for end of death penalty in Illinois

CWN - March 04, 2011

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), which typically addresses federal and international political concerns, has asked the governor of Illinois to sign legislation ending the death penalty in his state.

“Pope Benedict XVI and his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, have called for the end to the use of the death penalty as a sign of greater respect for all human life,” Bishop Stephen Blaire, the chairman of the USCCB’s committee on domestic justice and human development, said in a letter to Gov. Pat Quinn. “The legislation before you would help to begin building a culture of life in our country. I hope and pray that you will take this essential step by signing SB 3539 and further Illinois’ leadership role in turning away from the death penalty with all its moral problems and issues of fairness and justice.”

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  • Posted by: samuel.doucette1787 - Mar. 04, 2011 8:27 AM ET USA

    Why can't the USCCB show equal passion in canonically sanctioning "Catholic" politicians who support abortion as they show passion in supporting illegal immigration and ending the death penalty?

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