RACINE, WI - October 27, 2006-- Thirteen congregations of Catholic Sisters across Wisconsin are speaking with one voice opposing the possibility of reinstating the death penalty in the state. Two Dominican congregations are among them: Racine and Sinsinawa.

“We stand with all victims of crime and the families and loved ones of those victims. It is clear that any individual who is victimized by crime has the right to seek justice,” said Sister Sharon Simon, OP, of Racine. “But we believe that using violence to end violence only perpetuates the cycle and erases the opportunity to create a space for healing and transformation for those who have suffered.”

Jointly the 13 congregations have created an ad that reads: “As Catholic Sisters rooted in the Christian ethic of life, we believe that the death penalty is unjust. We believe that to achieve justice we must respect life and end the cycle of violence.”
The ad will run in early November in Catholic diocesan papers throughout the state. It will also run in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the Wisconsin State Journal. “Our goal is to make our position known throughout the state,” said Sister Marlene Weisenbeck, FSPA, of La Crosse. “We hope that by our speaking out together, the public will take notice and give careful thought to this important issue.”

The 13 congregations are located throughout Wisconsin, and as a group represent 3,583 Catholic Sisters.