FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, May 21, 2004
Contact:  Sheila S. Hopkins
Associate for Social Concerns
(850) 222-3803
shopkins@flacathconf.org

Catholic Bishops Urge Clemency for John Blackwelder

Tallahassee – The Catholic Bishops of Florida ask Governor Jeb Bush to stay the execution of John Blackwelder who is scheduled to die on May 25, 2004, the 25th anniversary of Florida’s first execution since the death penalty was reinstituted in 1976. The inexcusable killing of inmate Raymond Wigley by Mr. Blackwelder, in despair over serving a life sentence, was a hopeless act of desperation. Though his actions show no respect for the sanctity of all life, the state’s taking of his life perpetuates violence by responding to killing with killing. It is not done in our name.  Every human life is precious in the eyes of God, even those guilty of serious crimes.

The state has the obligation to protect society from harm and punish criminals, which can be achieved by the sentence of life in prison without possibility of parole, offering the opportunity for repentance.  An “eye for an eye” mentality fails to recognize the unfairness many suffer in the application of the death penalty due to minority status, income level, mental illness or other factors often ignored or omitted in court proceedings.

Governor Bush, on this lamentable anniversary, we ask you to end executions in the state of Florida and spare the life of John Blackwelder.