Our Stance: Against the Death Penalty

Our stance commits us to make public proclamations for life when and where they are needed and to preach the justice of our commitment. We will be called upon to work in coalition with other groups, to speak out at times of executions, to promote study and prayer in places of our ministry, as well as among ourselves, and to call each other to needed and creative responses.

BACKGROUND

  • In 1999, the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters stated opposition to the dealth penalty in Michigan. At that time, a bill to re-establish capital punishment was being discussed. The bill was defeated in the House and did not move forward.
  • In 2001, over 75% of our membership voted and 97% of that group favored a congregational commitment against the death penalty. Our stance commits us to make public proclamations for life when and where they are needed and to preach the justice of our commitment. We will be called upon to work in coalition with other groups, to speak out at times of executions, to promote study and prayer in our places of ministry as well as among ourselves, and to call each other to needed and creative responses.
    • Our first action was to proclaim our Congregation as a supporter to the Document submitted to the United Nations Subcommittee on Human Rights in August 2001.