Bishops' Schedules: Bishop Robert C. Morlino Thursday, Oct. 19, 2006 2:00 p.m. -- Priest Fellowship Day, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison 7:00 p.m. -- Participate in panel on "The Death Penalty," Anderson Auditorium, Edgewood College, Madison Friday, Oct. 20, 2006 6:00 p.m. -- Picture Hope event, Catholic Multicultural Center, Madison Saturday, Oct. 21, 2006 5:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Sacrament of Confirmation, St. Andrew Parish, Verona Sunday, Oct. 22, 2006 4:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Middle School Rally, Bishop O'Connor Center, Madison Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 25 and 26, 2006 Episcopal Ordination and Installation of The Most Rev. Paul J. Swain as Bishop of Sioux Falls, S.D. Bishop William H. Bullock Friday, Oct. 20, 2006 3:30 p.m. -- Open House for Bishop Swain, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Sunday, Oct. 22, 2006 10 a.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, 100th Anniversary Celebration, St. Bernard, Madison October 24-27, 2006 Co-ordaining bishop at the Episcopal Ordination and Installation of The Most Rev. Paul J. Swain, Sioux Falls, S.D. Bishop George O. Wirz October 24-27, 2006 Concelebrant at the Episcopal Ordination and Installation of The Most Rev. Paul J. Swain, Sioux Falls, S.D.

Death penalty referendum:
Vote on sanctity of life

		Under the Gospel Book + Bishop Robert C. Morlino

(en Español)

Dear Brothers and Sisters, All in the Lord,

The legislators of the State of Wisconsin have put a question to us citizens. They are asking our opinion on whether, after 155 years, the death penalty should be re-instated in Wisconsin. Let's give them some advice, based on our Catholic understanding of the sanctity of all human life. I ask you to vote "No" on the death penalty referendum.

	Death penalty referendum The following referendum question on the death penalty will appear on the November 7 ballot in Wisconsin: "Should the death penalty be enacted in the State of Wisconsin for cases involving a person who is convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, if the conviction is supported by DNA evidence?"

As a teacher, I would like to share that the catechism on the death penalty has been updated. The traditional teaching does not exclude using the death penalty ". . . if this is the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against the unjust aggressor" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2267).

But in Wisconsin, the death penalty is not the only way we have of keeping criminals from harming innocent people. Judges sentence people to lengthy sentences. Our parole system is not lenient. This is not a "revolving door" state. So, the one reason the Catholic Church gives for using the death penalty is not necessary in Wisconsin.

	Related item: October 19, 2006 edition: • Editorial -- Respect life: Vote against death penalty referendum

Let's examine some other issues, such as making the use of DNA evidence a requirement. This would hopefully prevent innocent people from being sentenced to death. However, laboratories can, and do, make mistakes. False evidence can be planted. And worst of all, a serious issue of fairness arises. Here is an example:

• A person walks into a crowded room and, standing at some distance, shoots 40 people. There are many eye witnesses but there is no DNA evidence. This person cannot be sentenced to death.

• Another person walks into the same room, shoots one person up close and has blood stains on his clothing. There is DNA evidence so this person can be sentenced to death.

Think about the illogical outcome and the lack of fairness this brings about. The person who committed the far worse crime gets the lighter sentence.

This makes no sense logically, it makes no sense morally, and it makes no sense for Wisconsin to return the death penalty.

I want to share one final thought with you and that is, from Jesus' own lips, in the Lord's Prayer.

He gave us a very high standard of forgiveness: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Pope John Paul II forgave his aggressor. He called us to be people of life, to build the culture of life. Adding more violence to our world will not bring us closer to peace.

Use your vote to reduce violence. Vote "No" for the Death Penalty on November 7.

Thank you for reading this and God bless you all!