The Catholic Bishops of Florida appeal to Governor Jeb Bush for a stay of the impending execution of Terry Sims, sentenced to die for the 1977 murder of George Pfeil, and of Anthony Bryan, for the 1983 murder of George Wilson. We accompany this plea with our most sincere sympathy for these victims and their families. The need for support and assistance to the surviving victims of violent crimes remains our steadfast concern. Violent crime exists in our society, and the state has the right and duty to protect its citizens and to enforce the law and punish criminals. But we are today able to protect society and can do so without denying criminals a chance to reform. We diminish ourselves as a people when we take away the dignity of human life, even from one who has committed serious evil. Since 1994, Florida has had an alternative to capital punishment, that of life imprisonment with no chance of parole. We urge a consensus toward this alternative, and a show of respect for all life, even for those who have not shown respect for others. Violence can only breed more violence. The commandment "thou shall not kill," will not be taught by killing people who have killed other people. We must put an end to the killing, especially this particular killing, over which we have control. We appeal to the Governor, the Cabinet and
the courts for mercy and a stay of this sentence. |