We acknowledge the depth and sincerity of their concern. While there is no simple and comprehensive solution to the problem of violent crime, as Christians, we believe in and observe the Natural Law of God which leads us toward appropriate and effective means of addressing the problem. As teachers and pastors, we are called to proclaim a set of moral principles known as Catholic social teaching. At the heart of this teaching is the knowledge that the human person is central, the clearest reflection of God among us. Every person possesses a basic dignity that comes from God, not from any human quality or accomplishment, not from race or gender or age or economic status.
Human life is inherently precious.
Those who commit crimes do not give up their human dignity, and those who administer justice must not deny this God-given dignity. All human beings are known and loved by God and are called to know and love God. St. Paul reminds us there is absolutely nothing in heaven or on earth which can separate us from the love of God. No person is beyond God s redemptive mercy. Therefore, just as we see the love of God, the value of life, and human dignity in an innocent child from the moment of conception, we must learn to see the love of God, the value of life, and human dignity in a guilty criminal, even as we condemn the criminal act.