Father of slain daughter calls for mercy

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st_ignatius110 said:
I am not sure where to post this. Mr. Walker goes to my parish and his daughter was murdered in McKinney a few months ago. I thought this article would be inspiring for all to read.

thedivinemercy.org/news/story.php?NID=2553
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I remember seeing this murder on America’s Most Wanted or Fox news. I am always amazed by a show of such strength in one’s faith as with Mr. Walker. I know it is what we are called to do, but I wonder if I am strong enough in my own faith to pray for my child’s murderer? I hope I am, but then again I pray I am never put to that test. God Bless Mr. & Mrs. Walker, they are truly a reflection of Christ.
 
I wonder what weight to give to the victim’s family’s call for the killer’s life to be spared.

If we give the victim, or in the case of murder the victim’s family, a voice in the punishment, are we not admitting that the punishment is vengeance ?

How does their request for mercy differ from an offer to forego that vengeance?

What of the family that requests the death penalty? Should ot their request be given the same weight as a request for mercy?
 
Joe_Kelley said:
I wonder what weight to give to the victim’s family’s call for the killer’s life to be spared.

If we give the victim, or in the case of murder the victim’s family, a voice in the punishment, are we not admitting that the punishment is vengeance ?

How does their request for mercy differ from an offer to forego that vengeance?

What of the family that requests the death penalty? Should ot their request be given the same weight as a request for mercy?
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Good questions. I do need to think about this further. However, I believe that the request for mercy should at least be considered simply because this request proves and shows that the family is NOT interested in vengeance. It is the norm for vitims families to be interested in vengeance…not really the norm for them to be interested in mercy.
 
Joe_Kelley said:
I wonder what weight to give to the victim’s family’s call for the killer’s life to be spared.

If we give the victim, or in the case of murder the victim’s family, a voice in the punishment, are we not admitting that the punishment is vengeance ?

How does their request for mercy differ from an offer to forego that vengeance?

What of the family that requests the death penalty? Should ot their request be given the same weight as a request for mercy?
Click to expand...
I believe Catholic teaching says we can support use of capital punishment if, in our prudential judgement, the use of capital punishment would spare society from further loss of life. Does that also include loss of life from vengeful acts? Can we argue that capital punishment is meant to avoid vigilantism?
 
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