Tallahassee - The Catholic Bishops of Florida appeal to Governor Bush to commute the death sentence of Glen Ocha, scheduled for execution on April 5.  The feelings of despair that have led Mr. Ocha to request execution will rob him of the possibility of redemption and forgiveness for his crime. 

We mourn for the family of his victim, Carol Skjerva, but killing Mr. Ocha will not compensate for their loss but only diminish respect for all life in all circumstances. Pope John Paul II, during his 1999 visit to St. Louis, stated "the dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil." 

The alternative sentence of life in prison without possibility of parole protects society from harm and punishes individuals for their transgressions. We believe a national decrease in executions shows there is dwindling support for the death penalty since society can otherwise be protected from those who have harmed others.

Governor Bush, we ask that you stay Glen Ocha's execution and commute his sentence to life in prison without possibility of parole.