Don't bring back the death penalty, New Mexico bishops plead

Albuquerque, N.M., Aug 23, 2016 / 06:34 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The Catholic bishops of New Mexico are speaking up against a proposal to reintroduce capital punishment in the state, saying that respect for human life must be consistent.

“We, the Catholic Bishops of New Mexico, in one voice, once again echo the teaching of the Church that life is sacred,” the bishops of Santa Fe, Las Cruces and Gallup said in a joint statement Aug. 18.

“There is one seamless teaching on God’s gift of life that must be protected from birth to natural death,” they said. “It is always tragic and sad when a member of the community is murdered. These senseless acts must be prevented by calling for systemic change in society beginning with our youngest children. Crime can be prevented, and this is done by an investment in social capital.”

The bishops responded to New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez saying that she will push during next year’s legislative session to bring back the death penalty in the state.

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/dont-bring-back-the-death-penalty-new-mexico-bishops-plead-33285/