Capital punishment is immoral
To the Editor:
The killing of innocent people is unforgivable even when a state does it. Catholics believe any execution by a state is seriously immoral. Recently, two men, whose innocence was possible, were executed in other states. Even the prosecutor in one case demanded that the man not be executed. A third innocent man was saved from execution only at the last hour.
In Iowa, some have seriously raised the possibility of returning to capital punishment. Too many people on death row have been exonerated to think of letting our state kill possibly innocent humans. The execution of one innocent person is unforgivable. That possibility obviates even thinking of resurrecting the practice here in Iowa.
Donald Moeller
Davenport
Post-election suggestion to the U.S. Catholic Bishops
To the Editor:
The recent campaign for U.S. president clearly showed that many Americans do not vote based on their knowledge of and belief in the tenets of Catholic Social Teaching, nor should they be expected or required to do so. It would be interesting and perhaps disheartening to learn how many Catholics have even heard of the social teachings. I wonder how many of them are skimmed, read, discussed and incorporated into our faith life.
This would be a perfect time to launch a Church-wide education project on the subject, beyond bulletin inserts. I propose such a program, non-partisan and highlighting all of the tenets. Let us pray.
Martha Popson
Knoxville
