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May 9, 2022By Deacon Ed Sheffer, Diocese of Tucson
The last three popes have instructed that justice ceases to be justice when it no longer supports a consistent ethic of life.
For Catholics, the death penalty issue - like all life issues - is more than public policy. It involves our faith and the central principle that human life is sacred. At its core the death penalty is not just a question of public policy, but is at its core a moral issue, and therefore a religious issue.
Human beings are called to respect the life and dignity of every person, even when people deny the dignity of others. The teaching of the Catholic Church regarding the dignity of human life has not changed. The conditions of society have.
We must acknowledge with considerable compassion the unimaginable heartache and loss of the Bowdoin family. And it would be unjust to think that the heinous crime committed to Deana, back in 1977, did not deserve punishment consistent with both the demand for justice as well as respect for human life and dignity.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson respects and acknowledges the State of Arizona has the right and responsibility to protect its citizens. Its responsibility to prevent future crimes by Clarence Dixon has been met. He has been removed from society at large and will not be released onto the streets. He has been separated and humanely secured for life. To remove him now from a secure cell and kill him is incompatible with the Gospel. We pray that mercy and justice meet. We pray for healing. We pray for a restoring and placing of sacredness of life at the forefront of justice.
