News: Iowa Bishops Reaffirm Opposition to the Death Penalty

January 19, 2021

Legislation to reinstate the death penalty in Iowa (SSB 1004) has passed a Senate subcommittee and is eligible for consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The four Catholic bishops of Iowa have reaffirmed their opposition to the death penalty.

"We know there is a special need to offer sympathy and support for the victims of violent crime and their families," they said. "However, we oppose reinstatement of the death penalty in order to send the message that the cycle of violence can be broken without taking life. We ask the people of Iowa, and especially members of the Catholic Church, to join us in opposing capital punishment out of respect for our common human dignity and in light of the teachings of Jesus about vengeance."

Here is a link to their full statement.