Dignitas Infinita:
Dignity of the Incarcerated & The Death Penalty
Dignitas Infinita ("Infinite Dignity") highlights several relevant grave violations of human dignity. This reflection focuses on the death
penalty and the dignity of those who are incarcerated.
Paragraph 34 reminds us of offenses contrary to human dignity taught by the Second Vatican Council, including genocide, abortion, and euthanasia. It adds the death penalty to these offenses by stating, “Here, one should also mention the death penalty, for this also violates the inalienable dignity of every person, regardless of the circumstances. In this regard, the firm rejection of the death penalty shows to what extent it is possible to recognize the inalienable dignity of every human being and to accept that he or she has a place in this universe. If I do not deny that dignity to the worst of criminals, I will not deny it to anyone. I will give everyone the possibility of sharing this planet with me, despite all our differences.”
The paragraph continues, “It is also fitting to reaffirm the dignity of those who are incarcerated, who often must live in undignified conditions. Finally, it should be stated that—even if someone has been guilty of serious crimes—the practice of torture completely contradicts the dignity that is proper to every human being.” No person is beyond the healing and merciful love of God. Offenders deserve an opportunity for redemption and to live in humane conditions while atoning for their crimes. Look at the conversions of St. Paul and Alessandro Serenelli as examples of profound transformation after gravely violating the dignity of others.
Current Legislation:
Seeking to respect the dignity of those incarcerated and assist in their redemption, the Catholic Conference of Ohio has testified in support of the following bills concerning the death penalty and reintegration of the formerly incarcerated.
- SB 101 (in Senate Committee) & HB 259 (in House Committee) to abolish the death penalty in Ohio.
- HB 50 (Signed into law) to create a certificate of qualification for housing (CQH) for the formerly incarcerated.
- SB 198 (Passed by Senate; Introduced in House) provides returning citizens with state identification cards and documentation relating to work experience, education, and trade skills upon their release.
- HB 460 (in House Committee), the Getting Rehabilitated Ohioans Working (GROW) Act, which would allow for the automatic sealing of certain criminal records – which also ties into paragraph 37 of Dignitas Infinita, “… it must be recognized that ‘there is no poverty worse than that which takes away work and the dignity of work.’”
Reflection:
God’s mercy and love, shown through Jesus’ death on the Cross, flows to all, no matter who our current laws deem worthy or unworthy of life or humane treatment. Do we cast away the concerns of those who have incarcerated loved ones? Do we care for those victimized by a crime and allow for structures of rehabilitation for offenders, or do we seek vengeance?