I sent this out Friday by FEDEX - 2 day delivery (I'm cheap...). So it arrived yesterday. I sent it on my business stationary - here is the text. Be interesting to see what answer, if any, I get from the DOJ.
By FEDEX
7-26-2019
The Honorable William P. Barr Attorney General of the United States
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 20530-0001
Dear Attorney General Barr:
I was saddened and disappointed to read that you had ended the moratorium on federal capital punishment, and that five people are now scheduled to be executed starting in December. I read the press release from the Department and understand that all five were convicted of horrible, almost unimaginable crimes and have exhausted appeals.
I believe in justice, but also in mercy and the possibility of reform. While the case can be made that these men deserve execution, that is no way to build a culture of life. They are incarcerated and can no longer cause harm. By sparing them from capital punishment a message is sent that rehabilitation is always possible.
As the current head of the Pastoral Council of Holy Name of Mary Catholic Parish in Croton, NY I do not pretend to speak for everyone in my community but want to point out that as Pope Saint John Paul wrote, “bloodless means are sufficient … and are more in conformity to the dignity of the human person.” Pope Francis has also ruled out capital punishment, as have the Bishops of the United States Catholic Conference.
I appreciate there can be political pressure to carry out these executions. I hope you will give further thought to what message this sends when the government executes men who have been rendered harmless, and reconsider your decision.
Sincerely,
Thomas G. Faranda
Principal
CC. Sr. Helen Prejean
Timothy Cardinal Dolan
HNM Pastoral Council members
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