Catholic Mobilizing Network rejoices at the victory for life in Arkansas – Religion News Service

Due to the injunctions in both Arkansas State and Federal courts granting stays of execution for all 8 men, the press call on April 17th has been canceled

WASHINGTON Catholic Mobilizing Network (CMN) joins all people of goodwill in rejoicing in the victory for life in Arkansas that has come as a result of both state and federal court rulings granting stays of executions for each of the 8 men. These rulings follow the tireless efforts of faith leaders, death penalty abolition advocates, and concerned citizens across the United States.

After the darkness of Good Friday has come a great light, Karen Clifton, Executive Director of Catholic Mobilizing Network said, This unprecedented plan to execute 8 men in 10 days witnessed an extraordinary response from so many people calling for a culture of life and an end to this practice of retribution. CMN is grateful for everyone who used their voice to stand for life this Lent.

Bishop Anthony Taylor of the Diocese of Little Rock furthered this affirmation of life, I would like to thank everyone who has prayed and worked so hard to prevent these scheduled executions from taking place. Let us continue to pray and work for the abolition of the death penalty in Arkansas and throughout the country. Bishop Taylor further commented, Let us also pray for healing for the victims of the horrific crimes that those in prison have committed and for the perpetrators themselves. The Lord never gives up on anyone and neither should we.

These two rulings, one from Circuit Court judge Wendell Griffen issuing a temporary restraining order to block executions on Friday evening and one from Federal Judge Kristine G. Baker on Saturday morning issuing a preliminary order staying the executions in response to a lawsuit mounted by the death-row inmates, came in the shadow of strong public opposition voiced at a rally held at the Arkansas state capitol on Good Friday afternoon. The rally included the delivery of a petition organized by a broad coalition of organizations, including Catholic Mobilizing Network, carrying 157,593 signatures calling for an end to these 8 planned executions.

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Catholic Mobilizing Network, a sponsored ministry of the Congregation of St. Joseph that works in close collaboration with United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, proclaims the Churchs pro-life teaching and prepares Catholics for informed involvement in the public debate to end the death penalty and promote restorative justice.

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Catholic Mobilizing Network rejoices at the victory for life in Arkansas - Religion News Service