We, the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, declare our opposition to the use of the death penalty.

We abhor the violence in our world and our hearts go out to all persons who have been victims of violence. While we recognize the need to protect society from perpetrators of violence, we firmly believe that the inhumane killing of convicted criminals never was and never will be a solution to the complex problems of society.

Our Judeo-Christian tradition teaches us the intrinsic God-given dignity of every human person. We believe that all life is sacred and that it is morally unacceptable for any human being to take the life of another. We believe that the use of the death penalty diminishes the moral quality of our own lives and communities and contributes to the brutal cycle of violence.

We commit ourselve to work for the use of alternate, compassionate and creative ways to address the effects of violence in the world and to strengthen the moral fabric of society.

Adopted on December 20, 1999

Faith in Action on the Death Penalty

Sr. Ancilla Maloney participates in the Pax Christi
Way of the Cross on the streets of New York City.

IHM Sisters join other concerned citizens at a prayer service in Scranton to raise consciousness about capital punishment.

IHM Sisters participate in a prayer vigil in opposition to the death penalty in front of the courthouse in Scranton, Pennsylvania.