Statement of Bishop Peter Christensen concerning Idaho’s firing squad bill (House Bill 37)
Statement of Bishop Peter F. Christensen March 13, 2025
Idaho’s firing squad bill (House Bill 37) was signed into law Wednesday, raising moral and ethical concerns.
As we are reminded by sacred scripture (c.f., Jn 8:7), Christians are called to oppose the culture of death, whether the death penalty is carried out by lethal injection, firing squad, or any other form of capital punishment. Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Mt 5:7). In light of the Gospel of mercy and hope, our response to the death penalty is not based on what the condemned have done, but who we are in Christ.
The Catholic Church recognizes that it is the right and duty of every government to maintain law and order. While doing so, the sanctity of life and the dignity of every human being must also be safeguarded.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) noted in their document “Life Matters: A Catholic Response to the Death Penalty” that “For people committed to upholding the sanctity of human life, the death penalty can present a challenge. Properly understood, however, Catholic teaching against the death penalty is both persuasive and eminently pro-life.”
The USCCB document explains that Christians, conscious of their brokenness and need for redemption, believe and hope in a merciful and loving God who calls all to imitate Him more perfectly by witnessing to the inherent dignity of every human being.
As the Catechism of the Catholic Church makes clear, there is an increasing awareness that a person's dignity is not lost even after committing grave crimes. More effective systems of detention have been developed, ensuring the protection of citizens while avoiding definitively depriving the guilty of the possibility of redemption. The Church teaches in the light of the Gospel that the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person, and the Church works with determination for its abolition worldwide (CCC 2267).
Whether we live in Idaho or anywhere else in the world, Catholics need to stand firm on the Gospel we preach. Therefore, we oppose this means of execution and every other form of capital punishment. We are people who strive to promote redemption and peace.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Bishop Peter F. Christensen
Bishop Peter Christensen, M.A., D.D.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise
1501 S. Federal Way, Suite 400
Boise, Idaho 83705
Source https://www.dioceseofboise.org/post/idaho-s-firing-squad-bill-house-bill-37
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