We, Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, affirming the sacredness of all human life, declare our opposition to the death penalty as a means of punishment for any crimes committed in the United States or anywhere else in the world.

    We join our voices with our sisters and brothers from around the world who have denounced the use of the death penalty as a deterrent to crime and who consider the death penalty a violation of human rights.  At the same time, we recognize the need to reach out to victims and their families, to support them in their pain and loss, and to facilitate forgiveness and healing.  Jesus calls us to follow His example by meeting violence with love, by forgiving in all circumstances and by valuing every human life from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death.

    We hereby desire to stand in solidarity with Pope John Paul II, with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and with all people who oppose the death penalty. 

(Enactment of Chapter 2000)