Date: Saturday, February 17, 1996  
Source: By Paul Galloway, Tribune Religion Writer.   
Section: NEWS  
Parts: 5  
Copyright Chicago Tribune

STATE'S CATHOLIC BISHOPS REASSERT OPPOSITION TO THE DEATH PENALTY   

   Cardinal Joseph Bernardin and his fellow Roman Catholic bishops of
Illinois reaffirmed their strong opposition to the death penalty in a
statement to be read and posted on Sunday in the state's 1,069 Catholic
parishes.

   Basing their stand on the "belief that human life is sacred" and that "a
truly just and humane society" is obligated "to protect and enhance" all
lives at all stages of development," the bishops concluded in the statement
that executions are "an inappropriate response" on moral and practical
grounds.

   The bishops list six reasons for their opposition to executions, including
the failure of executions as a deterrence and the disproportionate imposition
of the death penalty against the poor and racial and ethnic minorities.

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