Greetings all!
Greetings all.
We're spending this special newsletter to highlight a couple of initiatives our office is working on as we continue our efforts to abolish the death penalty in Ohio. Please join us in this important ministry!!!
Abolishing the Death Penalty

For many decades, the Catholic Church has strongly discouraged the use of the death penalty as a means to protect citizens. Finally, in 2018, the Catechism was updated and called for the abolition of the death penalty (#2267). Likewise, the Ohio bishops have, since the ‘70s, encouraged state law makers to end the use of the death penalty in OH. Sadly, despite multiple attempts, it is still legal in OH.

Thankfully, there is a real possibility that we can abolish the death penalty in OH this year. Two key pieces of legislation – SB 108 and HB 183 – have been introduced that would abolish the death penalty. The Ohio bishops collectively and Archbishop Schnurr individually have issued statements supporting this legislation, and their voices joining a growing state-wide coalition working to end the death penalty. We encourage all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati to join in the effort to end this state-sanctioned violence and respect all life, from womb to tomb.

Death Penalty Abolition: Why the Time is Now

The death penalty system is broken and, to date, nine men in Ohio have been found innocent after spending decades on death row. Implementing the death penalty is a violation of human rights, no matter the crime. Research shows that receiving the death penalty in Ohio is largely dependent on geographic location and race. Currently, Ohio has two bills moving through the legislature that would repeal and abolish the death penalty. The movement has never gotten this far or shown this much promise of succeeding.

We're partnering with the Undivided Action team (a ministry of Crossroads Church) to welcome Bekky Baker from IJPC on Thursday, July 22 at 7:00 p.m. over Zoom
for a discussion on the history and implications of death row, the faith perspective on the death penalty, and what we can do to end it.
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Ohio Faith Communities for Death Penalty Abolition Week
Friday October 8th – Sunday October 17th

We're asking all parishes and Catholic communities to join people of faith across Ohio to stand in solidarity for abolition of the death penalty. Recognizing the injustices in our criminal justice system, we are unwilling to participate in the cruel and inhumane practice of sentencing our fellow neighbors to death. We join together across religious traditions calling in one voice for the abolition of the death penalty.


There are several ways to participate:
Faith Toolkit Resources will be available in July. Email bekky@IJPCcincinnati.org with questions or for more information.



Andrew Musgrave - Cincinnati
Sara Seligmann - Dayton
Sr. Christine Pratt - Eastern Area
Tammie Mers - Administrative Assistant

Catholic Social Action Office
Archdiocese of Cincinnati