Statements by Archbishop Coakley on recent clemency hearings, executions in Oklahoma

Response to Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board clemency denial for Gilbert Postelle

“Please pray for an end to the death penalty. Pray for the respect of all human life from conception until natural end. Pray for wisdom and compassion for our leaders that they recognize the value of every human person – the indigent, the unborn, the refugee, the ill, the imprisoned. Pray for victims of violence and their families that God brings them comfort and peace. Pray for the convicted that they seek redemption and a life in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”


A statement on the clemency decision for Donald Grant

“The Catholic Church recognizes the grave harm done to victims of crime and their families, and the need for healing and justice. It also understands that executions only perpetuate cycles of violence and often provide no measure of true healing. The burdens of trauma and violence weigh heavy in our country and world these days; this is our opportunity to reject a culture of death and build up a culture of life. Please pray for the leaders of our state that they recognize the flaws of execution. Pray for the families and friends of Brenda McElyea and Felecia Suzette Smith, innocent victims of a senseless crime, and for the redemption of Donald Grant and comfort for his family.”


Federal court denies execution stay for Bigler Stouffer

“Bigler ‘Bud’ Stouffer chose violence to solve his problems. His choices resulted in the death of Linda Reaves and caused debilitating injuries for Douglas Ivens. They were two innocent victims. It can be difficult to understand why Jesus calls us to pray and be merciful for people like Stouffer, but Jesus asks us to be better. He shows us the way and empowers us to find compassion in our hearts, even for the guilty. We need to rethink capital punishment in Oklahoma; to make a better choice that affirms the dignity of all human life and provides an opportunity for redemption.”   


Gov. Stitt granted clemency to Julius Jones, committing his sentence to life without the possibility of parole

“It took tremendous courage in the face of intense pressure for Gov. Stitt to grant clemency in this case. I applaud his commitment to seeking justice while providing the condemned an opportunity for redemption. To oppose the death penalty is not to be soft on crime. Rather, it is to be strong on the dignity of life.”


Pardon and Parole Board recommended clemency for Julius Jones

“Clemency is an appropriate recommendation in this case. No matter the guilt or innocence of Julius Jones, there is doubt. The death penalty is final and leaves no opportunity to seek the truth. Please pray for the children, family and friends of Paul Howell who have endured years of appeals and hearings while grieving tremendous loss. As Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount, ‘Blessed are the merciful for they will receive mercy.’”


Oklahoma executed John Grant

“The unnecessary rush to restart executions in Oklahoma by the governor and attorney general is concerning and disappointing. Throughout our nation’s history we have justified the killing or mistreatment of our neighbors by lessoning their value as human beings – whether it is the unborn, aged, native populations, African Americans or those imprisoned. All human life is sacred. No matter how serious the crime committed, we do not forfeit the inherent dignity bestowed upon us by our Creator. There are other ways to administer just punishment without resorting to lethal measures. May God guide us as we work to end the use of the death penalty and build a society that truly chooses life in all situations. May God bring comfort to the family and friends of Gay Carter, and have mercy on the soul of John Grant.”