Hello friends!
I’ve just returned to my room from the panel discussion. Earlier today I listened to Sr. Helen Prejean speak passionately about her stance on the death penalty. I must admit, my head is swimming with ideas! I also confess, rather shamefully, that I haven’t given the death penalty or incarceration processes much thought throughout the course of my life. Listening to the speakers made me question the role that my faith should play in society today, especially in regards to social justice.
In thinking through today’s discussions, I find myself connecting a lot of what was discussed today with the first Wednesday meeting of the LC at Fr. Joe’s house. I’m questioning whether morality can be seen as distinct from religion, especially within the context of today’s discussions. Is Sr. Prejean preaching that the death penalty is wrong from a moral standpoint or a religious standpoint? Or are the two standpoints inseparable?
I’m also curious about how Sr. Prejean is viewed by the Vatican. As a Roman Catholic nun, Sr. Prejean is expected to hold views similar to the organization or Church she has given her life to. Sr. Prejean alluded to many controversial issues throughout the day, including her stance on the death penalty, faith’s role in the state, the war in Iraq, women’s rights, civil unions and homosexuality. She also expressed a high level of tolerance and celebration for a diversity of religious beliefs. I wonder how closely her personal beliefs represent the Vatican’s beliefs, especially as the Vatican has been expressing increasingly more conservative views since Benedict XVI became pope.
Hope this helps to jog some thoughts in your minds as well!
-Ashley
