Statement from Archbishop Paul S. Coakley urging clemency for Kendrick Simpson

“I respectfully urge Oklahoma’s state leaders to grant clemency to Kendrick Simpson. His life history reflects profound trauma and suffering—realities that diminish neither the gravity of the crime nor the pain and suffering of the victims and their families—but which call us to a deeper moral reflection on justice, mercy and the dignity of the human person.

“In this case, this is all the more concerning when we learn that Mr. Simpson's issues were not shared with members of the jury.

“From the teaching of Our Lord, we must conclude that the death penalty is inappropriate because it attacks the inviolability and dignity of the human person, and because society today has the means to protect itself without ending another human life. I ask those entrusted with this solemn decision to prayerfully consider whether execution is truly necessary, or whether mercy, accountability and the possibility of redemption can better witness to the values we seek to uphold as a people.”