Cherish Life Circle(Established 1993)What is it? The Cherish Life Circle is a group founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1993 to provide support for a circle of friends opposed to the death penalty, which had surfaced as a major issue during the New York gubernatorial race. We, religious sisters from several congregations, a few priests and lay people had united in various combinations over the years around social issues in conflict with our Gospel values. When capital punishment threatened our neighborhood, we came together to pray and plan how we might expand the dialogue by presenting a faith-based perspective. We understood that many good people, including relatives and friends, supported capital punishment. Our task, as we saw it, was to reveal our position in a non-condemnatory manner. What we needed was a tool for the task. The Declaration of LifeThe tool that came to our attention was a personal statement, adhering to the sacredness of all life. At its heart are these words: “I hereby declare that should I die as a result of violent crime, I request that the person or person found guilty for my killing not be subject to, or put in jeopardy of the death penalty under any circumstances, no matter how heinous their crime, or how much I have suffered.”The tool that came to our attention was a personal statement, adhering to the sacredness of all life. At its heart are these words: “I hereby declare that should I die as a result of violent crime, I request that the person or person found guilty for my killing not be subject to, or put in jeopardy of the death penalty under any circumstances, no matter how heinous their crime, or how much I have suffered.” Available in English and Spanish, this non-legally binding document is to be signed and notarized before witnesses and filed with appropriate papers: property wills, living will, organ donor cards. In the event of death by murder, those closest to the deceased would be expected to provide the document for the court’s consideration. How does one procure a copy?A self-addressed, stamped envelope with the request for a copy should come to: Cherish Life Circle, Convent of Mercy, 273 Willoughby Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11205-1487. Anything else?Once a person has signed The Declaration, a wallet card attesting to the conviction recorded in the document, is available from our Cherish Life Circle. It is provided in exchange for the signer’s name and address. A dollar to cover costs is requested for each recipient. People who sign as a group may send a list of names, and one self-addressed envelope of appropriate size. A name added to our listing gives us some clue of how many have signed on to this document. What else does The Cherish Life Circle do?Members are committed to a non-violent, civil approach to the conversation. We contribute articles and homilies, organize study days for parishes and high school students and accept speaking engagements. We have sponsored Sister Helen Prejean as guest speaker and have drawn from victims’ families as presenters, as well as educators, lawyers and capital defenders. We support and encourage a Moratorium on executions, circulating petitions, and engaging local politicians in the conversation.We are in contact with a man on Death Row in Terre Haute, Indiana, for whom, we serve as spiritual advisers. Other Cherish Life members are writing to people awaiting execution. David Paul Hammer has provided the art for Christmas cards since 2001. In the three years of marketing by Sister Camille D’Arienzo, over $17,000 has been raised to benefit at risk children currently in protective care in the United States and Jamaica, West Indies. We conduct annual, ecumenical candlelight services for Families of Murder Victims. As a rule we engage a family member to help plan the event and give a brief presentation. CLC member, Sr. Mary O’Connor gratefully accepts men’s white socks for distribution after Christmas services on Riker’s Island. Camille’s annual Socks for Her October Birthday Campaign is another way to advance sensitivity toward those who are incarcerated. Who can join the Cherish Life Circle? Anyone who is committed to our ideals, regardless of faith, race or background, and who can travel to Brooklyn for approximately five meetings a year. Here’s a suggestion:Why not start your own Cherish Life Circle? You might want to sponsor one of us to help you set it up. A growing awareness of the need for prison reform makes us realize that energy must be directed toward that end. In the meanwhile… Let’s pray for reverence for all life, from its beginning to its end, as we work to influence a more just and compassionate world. Submitted by: E-mail address: cherilife@aol.com
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