Catholic Commission for Social Justice
GCL Press Release
1 October, 2015
The Greater Caribbean for Life (GCL) joins the global movement for the abolition of capital punishment on 10th October 2015 to commemorate the 13th World Day against the Death Penalty. This year’s theme is Drug Crimes. The aim is to raise awareness of the need to reduce the use of the death penalty for drug-related offences.
“The death penalty is contrary to the meaning of humanitas and to divine mercy, which should be the model for men’s justice. It implies cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment…As St Ambrose teaches, God did not want to punish Cain for the murder, as He wants the repentance of the sinner, not his death… Justice will never be reached by killing a human being” (Pope Francis, March 20, 2015).
On Saturday, October 10, the world will observe the 13th World Day Against the Death Penalty. The theme this year is Drug Crimes and is aimed at raising awareness of the need to reduce the use of the death penalty for drug-related offences.
11 March 2015 –
On Monday, 16 March 2015, at 10:15 a.m, the Greater Caribbean for Life (GCL) will address the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) about issues relating to the death penalty in the Greater Caribbean. GCL will address the IACHR during a dedicated thematic hearing, to take place at the Organisation of American States (OAS) headquarters in Washington, D.C., USA. This hearing will be transmitted live.
In today’s Gospel (Matthew 16:13-19), we read about Peter’s profession of faith. By our baptism we accept that Jesus Christ is the “Son of the living God”. Peter was the rock on which Jesus built his Church. Today, Jesus expects us, His followers, to continue Peter’s work.
The Executive Committee of the Greater Caribbean for Life (GCL) met in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on 11 and 12 January 2014 to develop its strategic programmes to facilitate its campaign for the abolition of the Death Penalty in the Greater Caribbean region.