We, the School Sisters of Notre Dame of the Atlantic-Midwest Province, call for the abolition of the death penalty.

    * The death penalty intensifies the cycle of violence.

    * The death penalty models revenge without the possibility of
       reconciliation.

    * The death penalty violates the Gospel principles of mercy,
       forgiveness and compassion.

We empathize with the victims’ families. At the same time we believe that publicly legitimized killing is not an appropriate response.

We support other means to assure justice and administer punishment.

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