We must be vocal about protecting life A reflections on the execution of Earl Wesley Berry scheduled on May 21 in Parchman.
By Sr. Donna Gunn, CSJ
As I think about participating in another prayer vigil for an execution, I have to wonder why I keep doing this. Actually, I wondered why WE were doing this. Why are we killing someone to prove killing is wrong? Does it deter crime? There is no proof that it does. In fact, a survey by the New York Times found states without the death penalty have lower homicide rates than states with the death penalty and that 10 of the 12 states without the death penalty have homicide rates below the national average.
The South which does 80 percent of all executions in the United States has the highest murder rate. Data released by the British Home Office reveals the United States, with the death penalty, has a murder rate that is more than three times that of many of our European allies who have banned capital punishment.
And why is it that identical criminal acts can get the death penalty in one Mississippi county and not in another? Executions are often not defined so much by objective law as they are by the subjective decision of a prosecuting attorney.
Why is it that we somehow think the death penalty will keep us safer? If we are the only first world nation that still has the death penalty, is there something other nations have learned about keeping their citizens safe that has utterly eluded us? Or does advocating the death penalty just make a good, simplistic sound bite when political candidates want to appear tough on crime?
One of the media people asked someone at the Parchman prayer service what she would say to the victims’ families who often wait 20 years for justice. I found that an interesting question given that only about two percent of those convicted of killing someone (manslaughter, murder, capital murder) receive a sentence of death.
Does this mean this country offers no justice to the 98 percent of families when they hear a jury say, “Guilty”?
Of course, it is virtually impossible for any of us – for or against the death penalty – to say anything meaningful to victims’ families. There is no way any of us know their grief, their loss, their pain.
I have read articles by Mary Bound’s husband/family and I though I can’t truly understand the depth of their grief, I do understand – a little. I think I’d say, “I am so sorry. I am sorry not only for the loss of your loved one, but I am also sorry we’ve made you think you had to wait longer than 20 years for justice and healing.
“I’m sorry if we encouraged you to put all your hopes in the execution bringing closure. You know far better than I do there is still that empty chair at your table. I’m sorry we’ve asked you to relive your loved one’s pain and fear as you had to suffer through one appeal after another and in this case – one preparation for execution after another.
“I’m sorry if I was one of those who kept your anger alive and backed you into a corner – silently laying an expectation on you that if you weren’t a pro-death penalty advocate you somehow weren’t doing all you could to honor your loved one.
“I’m sorry for going to the vigil at the time of the execution, but not coming to listen to you speak as eloquently of your loved one’s life as we’ve encouraged you to remember his/her horrible death.”
We live in such a violent society. I couldn’t help but recall the most powerful messages we received when the Amish people demonstrated their forgiveness and non-violence in the face of their tragedy. Are we as Catholics called to do less?
I also remember the words of a daughter of one of those whoes perpetrator was executed. “I forgive you for what you have done to my father. I ask you to forgive me for all the times I’ve wished you dead. If heaven is what I have been taught it is, I know my father will be among the first to greet you.” No matter what any of us says or does, we all cling to the hope that these words are true and that heaven is a far less violent place to be. I sit back and picture Mary Bounds greeting Earl Wesley Berry.
Life is a precious gift – from conception to natural death. It leads me to reflect on how proud I am to be Catholic. I am proud of those of us who speak out against abortion and those of us who speak up for human dignity for every person.
My faith is rooted in the belief that LIFE is “the earthen treasure not made of gold” – that’s why WE need to be vocal about protecting it.
We Catholics believe every baby has a right to be born, every human has a right to dignity, and barring measures of immediate self preservation, only God has the right to take life. Jesus’ life was all about healing, forgiveness, reconciliation.
It’s what I believe. It is really what makes me one with all of you. I am proud to be your sister in faith. (Sister Donna Gunn is Special Projects Coordinator at Camden Sacred Heart Parish.)
Why are we killing someone to prove killing is wrong? Does it deter crime? There is no proof that it does. In fact, a survey by the New York Times found states without the death penalty have lower homicide rates than states with the death penalty and that 10 of the 12 states without the death penalty have homicide rates below the national average. 