| Sisters of Mercy Oppose Death Penalty
Following a special referendum, the New Jersey Regional Community of the Sisters of Mercy has overwhelmingly decided to oppose the death penalty. Their corporate stand was the result of prayerful reading, reflection, and conversation with people in their local communities. The 1999 scheduled execution of John Martini in the State of New Jersey spurred a group of New Jersey Mercys to form the Death Penalty Corporate Stand Committee. They are Sister M. Karina Haywood, issues leader; and Sisters Estelle Bobrowski, Dorothy Flynn, and Elizabeth O'Hara. Earlier in the year, Catholic leaders took strong public positions against the death penalty, including Pope John Paul II who appealed for the life of a convicted murderer in the U.S., Darrell J. Mease. In addition, the U.S. Catholic Bishops, issued their 2000 Good Friday Appeal to End the Death Penalty, which was widely reported in the media. According to Sr. Diane Szubrowski, New Jersey Regional Community President, the vote calling for an end to the death penalty carries with it the responsibility of individual sisters to promote legislation and other means of action that provide alternatives to the death penalty as well as systemic change in the criminal justice system. The vote also calls for programs of support for families of victims. "We hope that through this public witness for life," said Sr. Diane, "others may be moved to offer forgiveness to their brothers and sisters and to allow a spirit of reconciliation to permeate our society. We are committed to pray for non-violence in all aspects of life." Contact Sr. Diane Szubrowski: |