CCC Expresses Surprise and Disappointment in Loss of Prop 62
The following statement was released by Edward “Ned” Dolejsi, executive director of the California Catholic Conference of Bishops:
“Yesterday’s elections were the culmination of a long and contentious election season marked by cynicism and alienation. Nevertheless, California’s voters fulfilled their civic duty and placed their votes. The democratic process, once again, demonstrates that the will of the people is sovereign.
“The California Catholic Conference of Bishops is extremely disappointed that Proposition 62, which would have ended the use of the death penalty in the state, was not successful. In this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, it would have been the fitting culmination of a year-long call to live out the Works of Mercy.
“While it is disappointing that Proposition 66 prevailed and the death penalty was upheld, we give thanks for the passage of Proposition 57, and that restorative justice will be a focus in California’s prisons. This is a significant milestone in recognizing the dignity and worth of every human being, no matter how flawed. We look forward to the good works that will come as a result of this new law.
“The California Catholic Conference also renews its call for all Californians to work with the victims of crimes and their families to deal with the grief and heartbreak they experience almost daily. This is not only true in capital cases, but whenever someone is harmed by crime. They, along with all those involved in the criminal justice system, need our prayers and support.
“We are especially grateful to the thousands of volunteers who have worked tirelessly to repeal the death penalty and promote justice. We are indebted to them for the hard work and for their living example of mercy and compassion and we thank them for being a voice for life and dignity in today’s world.”
The CCC was also disappointed in the passage of propositions 66, which would have retained protections to ensure innocent people are not wrongly executed, and prop 64, the legalization of marijuana.
The impacts of legalizing marijuana have been showcased in Colorado, where traffic deaths have more than doubled and children who have ingested edibles containing the drug are routinely rushed to emergency rooms. For more information on the detriments of legalizing marijuana, visit the CCC website here. Please pray with us that the passage of Prop. 64 will not result in the same tragedies as has taken place in Colorado.
Coming Together as Faithful Citizens for the Common Good
Washington – Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement regarding the electing of Donald Trump as President-Elect:
The American people have made their decision on the next President of the United States, members of Congress as well as state and local officials. I congratulate Mr. Trump and everyone elected yesterday. Now is the moment to move toward the responsibility of governing for the common good of all citizens. Let us not see each other in the divisive light of Democrat or Republican or any other political party, but rather, let us see the face of Christ in our neighbors, especially the suffering or those with whom we may disagree.
We, as citizens and our elected representatives, would do well to remember the words of Pope Francis when he addressed the United States Congress last year, “all political activity must serve and promote the good of the human person and be based on respect for his or her dignity.” Yesterday, millions of Americans who are struggling to find economic opportunity for their families voted to be heard. Our response should be simple: we hear you. The responsibility to help strengthen families belongs to each of us.
Follow USCCB 2016 General Assembly Meeting
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for its annual Fall General Assembly November 14-16, 2016, in Baltimore, Maryland. Catholic News Service will be following the event and posting updates as they are released. You can follow their coverage at catholicnews.com.
During the Assembly, the bishops will elect a new president, vice president, and five committee chairs.
In addition, they will discuss and vote on the Conference’s strategic plan for 2017-2020, and receive a report and recommendations on promoting peace in violence-stricken communities.
The bishops will also vote for new chairmen-elect of the following five USCCB committees: Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governances, Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, Committee on International Justice and Peace, and the Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People.
Follow the event here.
Prayer After An Election
U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops
God of all nations, Father of the human family,
we give you thanks for the freedom we exercise
and the many blessings of democracy we enjoy in these United States of America.
We ask for your protection and guidance
for all who devote themselves to the common good,
working for justice and peace at home and around the world.
We lift up all our duly elected leaders and public servants,
those who will serve us as president, as legislators and judges,
those in the military and law enforcement.
Heal us from our differences and unite us, O Lord,
with a common purpose, dedication, and commitment to achieve liberty and justice
in the years ahead for all people,
and especially those who are most vulnerable in our midst.
Amen.
Our Lady, the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the United States of America, pray for us.
November 11, 2016
Vol. 9, No. 36