Standing up for the Dignity of all Human Life: A Pastoral Letter on Capital Punishment in Florida

Course Summary

Based on the Pastoral Letter by Bishop Felipe J. Estévez, entitled Standing Up for the Dignity of all Human Life, this 3 - week mini course will discuss capital punishment and why as Catholics we are opposed to it. This course will explore the concept of human dignity, the Catholic Tradition of respect for the dignity of all, and some practical ways that human dignity can be restored in relationship to capital punishment. Bishop Estévez is the bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine in Florida, a state that has the second highest number of prisoners on death row at 347 (as of February 7, 2021).
While this mini course will be applicable to all geographic areas, the sheer number of Florida prisons, Florida prisoners, and those on death row in Florida inspired Bishop Estévez to write this Pastoral Letter. In the opening paragraphs, he states: “My hope for this pastoral letter is to share with you my understandings of the teachings of our church about the intrinsic value and God-given dignity of every human life from conception to natural death.” God is the author of all life. As Christians, we are called to give action to these words, to respect all who God has chosen to create and to defend their human dignity as children of God.

Successful completion of this course earns 1.5 CEU's.

Course Materials

• No books required. All readings are online.

Course Structure and Highlights

• Week 1: What does human dignity look like?
  • To explore key Scripture passages that illustrate that “God’ s glory shines in the face of man.” (EV 35)
  • To examine key phrases from the Catechism that speak of the dignity of humanity, e.g. …”he alone is called to share, by knowledge and love, in God's own life. It was for this end that he was created, and this is the fundamental reason for his dignity.” (CCC #356)
  • To discuss elements of the culture of life versus the culture of death, particularly through the writings of Pope St. John Paul II.
• Week 2: The Catholic Tradition of Standing Up for the Dignity of Life
  • To explore key Church documents and their role in forming current Church teaching on the death penalty.
  • To look at moments in history where the Catholic Tradition of dignity for life can be discussed, illustrated, and appreciated.
  • To grow in understanding of the unfairness of the death penalty as exhibited through statistics and case studies.
• Week 3: Restoring the Dignity of all Human Life in Florida
  • To discuss restorative justice wherein the rights and dignity of all are respected and preserved.
  • To discover opportunities to take part in legislative action so that our elected government officials know the will of the people regarding the death penalty.
  • To explore ways to join in peaceful protest and prayer opportunities to increase societal awareness of this societal ill.

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