The Bishop Writes

(From the Feb. 3, 2000 edition of the Inland Register)

Once again, the Catholic bishops of Washington State have issued a statement on capital punishment. We do so consistent with the teaching of the Church in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, recently revised concerning the issue of executions and the death penalty. I will not reflect further on our statement except to ask you to read carefully its contents and reflect upon it prayerfully.

We are not unaware that a majority of Catholics, consistent with the population in general, supports the death penalty. As with so many areas of our teaching, the Holy Father and bishops see clearly how the violent way we punish criminals in our society connects with the pervasive violence we are sadly experiencing in our culture a whole. In addition, we are one the very few countries in the world which continues to use the death penalty as a form of the ultimate punishment.

For some years now, the Domestic Policy Committee of the U.S. Bishops has been wrestling with the question of how to write a pastoral statement on criminal justice. We have been urged to do so by Catholic chaplains who see and experience an urgency for the Church to address the matter of criminal and restorative justice. In consultations with experts in the field and with victims, it became clear early on that we in the Church have not been as sensitive as we should have been to victims of crimes. It’s one thing to call for the abolition of the death penalty, but it is also another to be sensitive to the plight of the victims who have been violated. I hope that sensitivity in the latter instance is reflected in this most recent statement of the bishops of our state.

Part of the hesitancy of the Domestic Policy Committee to address this topic has been due to the complexity of the issues involved. However, recognizing that fact, it is clear that we as a nation cannot continue with a “business as usual” in this regard. Some states now spend more on prisons than on education. Yet from our perspective as Church, we should be able to contribute to the common good in this matter in light of the Gospel and the direct call of Jesus in Matthew 25 when he says, “I was ... in prison and you came to visit me.”

There are many areas of concern and need for appreciation in this whole area of crime and prisons. Law enforcement officers in general and staffs in our correctional institutions have very difficult tasks. It’s so easy to be critical without appreciating the challenge they have to serve in often difficult circumstances. We need to do more in ministering to victims and their families. We need to support efforts in the rehabilitation of criminals and strive to find creative ways of dealing with the addictions which can be so destructive in multiple ways.

During my last visit to the Airways Heights correctional facilities a few months ago, I celebrated Mass with some of the prisoners. The director for volunteers told me of the great need for more volunteers who can serve prison populations in many different ways. Certainly not everyone would find himself or herself comfortable in this kind of volunteerism, yet there is a considerable need. I suspect there are a lot of folks within our parishes who would have gifts that might meet some of those needs. There are remarkable examples of laity, Sisters, deacons, and priests over the years who have generously offered their presence to serve in this particular way.

Finally, I think we need to address a vindictive spirit within us that really helps no one and certainly doesn’t serve the common good. One can understand the frustration and anger that touch us when we see terrible crimes. We must strive to find creative and effective ways of making people accountable, of looking positively and respectfully at every person as a child of God, and finally, of working together for solutions in an area of considerable complexity and oftentimes of strong emotions.

Jesus calls us to accountability, compassion, and forgiveness. He ask us to have hope in one another and to love one another, even – and especially – our enemies. I ask you to use the statement of the bishops of our state as a teaching document so that the Gospel might be more integrated into our lives as we relate to sister and brothers who have failed to live up to their responsibilities as citizens. Perhaps our attitudes, prayers and service will help them to become more whole.

May God bless you and give you peace.

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