Catholic Commission for Social Justice
In New York, on Friday 21st November, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will cast an initial vote, in Committee, on a draft resolution calling for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty.
The Greater Caribbean for Life, an organisation that is working towards the abolition of the death penalty, urges all Caribbean Nations to use this opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to Human Rights and the fundamental Right to Life by supporting this resolution.
From Leela Ramdeen, Chair of GCL and CCSJ
Commemoration of the 12th World Day Against the Death Penalty has already started in the Greater Caribbean region as the Greater Caribbean for Life (GCL) hasembarked on a Speaking Tour to raise awareness of the inhumanity of the death penalty. GCL will visit 6 Caribbean countries between 4 – 16 October.
Gospel John 3:13-17
Jesus said to Nicodemus: “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. ”For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, Catholic Commission for Social Justice
COMPASSION:
Throughout the Scriptures we read of God’s compassion.
Psalm 103:8 states: “God is tender and compassionate, slow to anger, most loving…”
Luke 6:36 tells us to “Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate.”
The Greater Caribbean for Life (GCL) urges the Government of the Bahamas to find non-lethal means to promote the safety and security of citizens. GCL condemns the rise of violent crime in our region and expresses solidarity with victims. However, we reject the notion that capital punishment will act as a deterrent or foster respect for life in our communities.