Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tai Pei (Agenzia Fides) – Raising awareness about the dignity and sacredness of human life to maintain social harmony and culture of forgiveness: this is the motivation that prompted the Regional Bishops' Conference of Taiwan to launch a written declaration calling for the abolition of the death penalty, and, before achieving the total abolition, calling for at least a total suspension of executions. According to information received by Fides, the declaration addressed to the authorities and all civil institutions says that the death penalty "is absolutely not the solution to eliminating crime." The increase in crime in its most serious manifestations, in today's society in Taiwan, "is due to the lack of sensitivity towards and reflection on human life. The family, especially, has been unable to help their children see the meaning of life." They also state that "the authorities must do justice and defend the dignity of human life." Thus, the Church invites us to "improve the training offered by the family and social assistance, in order to prevent crime, allowing Taiwan to become an example for Asia. The Catholic Church in Taiwan is united with the Buddhist and Christian communities to promote the abolition of the death penalty. The retired bishop of the Diocese of Kao Hiung, Cardinal Paul Shan, also launched an appeal through the media on this issue. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 27/04/2010)
