Archbishop Coakley’s statement on request from Oklahoma AG for execution dates

“The unspeakable acts of violence chosen by those on death row have left lifelong scars for families and loved ones and we must hold these criminals accountable. But killing 25 human beings as punishment for killing – even if guilty – only perpetuates the cycle of violence and offers none of the mercy and opportunity for redemption Jesus asks of us. We also can’t undo it if we’re wrong. The burdens of trauma and violence weigh heavy in our country these days, and I ask Attorney General O’Connor, Gov. Stitt and Oklahoma leaders to take this opportunity to reject a culture of death and build up a culture of life.”