FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 3, 2004
Contact:  Sheila S. Hopkins
Associate for Social Concerns
(850) 222-3803
shopkins@flacathconf.org

Catholic Bishops Urge Clemency for Johnny Robinson

Tallahassee – The Catholic Bishops of Florida appeal to Governor Bush to stay the execution of Johnny Robinson, scheduled to die at 6:00 p.m. on February 4, 2004. We do not lose sight of the fact that the family friends of Beverly St. George have been terribly wronged by her brutal murder. We do not believe the added violence of this execution will relieve their pain. It is only when society cannot be protected in any other way that the death penalty is justified.

   The taking of life by the state affects all of society, and diminishes the value we place on human life, even those guilty of serious evil. Capital punishment by the state cuts short the opportunity for conversion and repentance. Society needs to be protected from criminals, but we need not go to the extent of executing them. We must seek justice without vengeance, without further killing.

   We must strive to respect every human life, including the lives of those who fail to show that respect for others. Florida’s alternate of life in prison without parole is a severe punishment, allows the possibility of conversion for the sinner, and gives the opportunity to forgive the wrongdoings.

  Please stay this execution.

#              #              #