November 29, 2019

Anti-death penalty convocation, march, prayer vigil set for Dec. 8 in Terre Haute

Criterion staff report

In opposition to the death penalty, an International Human Rights Day Death Penalty Convocation will be held in Hellmann Hall at St. Benedict Parish, 111 S. 9th St., in Terre Haute, from 1-5 p.m. on Dec. 8.

At 6 p.m., a march will process one block to the Federal Courthouse, 921 Ohio St., in Terre Haute, where a prayer vigil for all victims of violence will be held until 7 p.m. Participants are then invited back to St. Benedict for food and fellowship.

At the conference, experts and leaders of state and national organizations will address the many ways the death penalty is counter to the teaching of many faith practices—including that of the Catholic Church—and fails society morally, economically and socially.

Among the speakers will be:

  • Providence Sister Barbara Battista, Justice Promoter for the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.
  • Abraham Bonowitz of Death Penalty Action.
  • Karen Burkhart of the Indiana Abolition Coalition.
  • Robert Dunham of the Death Penalty Information Center
  • George Kain, professor of justice and law administration at Western Connecticut State University.
  • Bill Pelke, founder of Journey of Hope … From Violence to Healing.
  • Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy of Catholic Mobilizing Network to End the Use of the Death Penalty.

For a complete list of speakers and sponsors, to register for the free event or go to deathpenaltyaction.org.

Opponents of the death penalty can also sign a petition to Congress online at bit.ly/NoToDeathPenalty. Signers may list their first and last name, but are only required to enter their e-mail address and zip code. (To sign the petition while opting out of receiving updates from Death Penalty Action, click on “Edit Subscription Preferences” below “Add Your Name,” then unselect the check box). †

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