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"We are still a long way from the time when our conscience can be certain of having done everything possible to prevent crime and to control it effectively so that it no longer does harm and, at the same time, to offer to those who commit crimes a way of redeeming themselves and making a positive return to society. If all those in some way involved in the problem tried to . . . develop this line of thought, perhaps humanity as a whole could take a great step forward in creating a more serene and peaceful society."
—Pope John Paul II, July 9, 2000
Happening Now
Letter to Congress on the Second Chance Reauthorization Act
Archbishop Borys Gudziak and Ms. Kerry Alys Robinson, July 29, 2024
Letter to Congress on RESTORE Act
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Mr. Ralph Middlecamp, Sr. Donna Markham, and Ms. Karen Clifton, June 9, 2023
Letter to Congress on Law Enforcement De-escalation Training Act of 2022
August 3, 2022
Letter to Congress on the EQUAL Act
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley and Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre, August 1, 2022
Statement on the July 4 Shooting in Highland Park, Illinois
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, and Archbishop William E. Lori, July 6, 2022
Letter to Congress Regarding Gun Violence and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archbishop William E. Lori, and Bishop Thomas Daly, June 23, 2022
U.S. Bishops’ Domestic Policy Chairman Commends Congressional Efforts to Address Gun Violence
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, June 14, 2022
Bishop Chairmen Call for Congressional Action to Address Gun Violence
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archbishop William E. Lori, and Bishop Thomas A. Daly, June 3, 2022
Letter to Congress Regarding Gun Violence and Root Causes of Violence
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archbishop William E. Lori, and Bishop Thomas A. Daly, June 3, 2022
Statement of USCCB on School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas
May 24, 2022
Statement of USCCB on Shootings in Buffalo and Laguna Woods
May 16, 2022
Letter to U.S. Senate Regarding Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, and Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, March 9, 2022
Letters and Statements on Criminal and Restorative Justice
Background Information
Backgrounder on Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice and Sentencing Reform
January 2016
Backgrounder on Criminal Justice Reform and Pope Francis' Visit to the United States
September 2015
Backgrounder on Restorative Justice: Healing and Transformation of Persons, Families and Communities
February 2015
Backgrounder on Criminal Justice and Restorative Justice
January 2014
Backgrounder on Criminal Justice
April 2006
2016-Present
Letter to Congress on the Second Chance Reauthorization Act
Archbishop Borys Gudziak and Ms. Kerry Alys Robinson, July 29, 2024
Letter to Congress on RESTORE Act
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Mr. Ralph Middlecamp, Sr. Donna Markham, and Ms. Karen Clifton, June 9, 2023
Letter to Congress on Law Enforcement De-escalation Training Act of 2022
August 3, 2022
Letter to Congress on the EQUAL Act
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley and Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre, August 1, 2022
Bishop Chairmen Call for Better Police Formation and Accountability
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, June, 24, 2020
Statement of U.S. Bishop Chairmen in Wake of Death of George Floyd and National Protests
Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop David G. O’Connell, Bishop Joseph N. Perry
May 29, 2020
Pass the FIRST STEP Act
In a November 20, 2018 letter to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Bishop Frank J. Dewane joins with the President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA and the President of the National Council of the U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul write to urge passage of the FIRST Step Act and in so doing improve the lives of people impacted by the federal criminal justice system.
Letter Discussing FIRST STEP Act
In an August 6, 2018 letter to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Sr. Donna Markham share an analysis of the FIRST STEP Act and express their encouragement in its efforts to improve upon the criminal justice system.
Letter to U.S. Senate in Support of the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2017
On March 26, 2018, Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Sr. Donna Markham write to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary in support of sentencing reform as a component of comprehensive improvement to the nation's criminal justice system.
Letter to U.S. House of Representatives in Support of Second Chance Act Reauthorization Act of 2017
In an October 16, 2017 letter with Catholic Charities USA, Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Sr. Donna Markham write to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary to express support for the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2017.
Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Urging Support for the Second Chance Act
In a January 11, 2016 letter to the House Judiciary Committee, the Most Reverend Thomas G. Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham urge support for the Second Chance Act siting that the legislation is an important step in addressing issues facing formerly incarcerated individuals reentering society. The legislation would support programs proven to reduce recidivism.
2005-2015
Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Regarding Sentencing Reform Act of 2015
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham, November 16, 2015
Letter to U.S. Senate Regarding the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham, October 19, 2015
Testimony Submitted for the Record to U.S. House of Representatives on Criminal Justice Reform
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities USA, and The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, July 14, 2015
Letter to U.S. Senate Regarding the Second Chance Act
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham, July 8, 2015
Letter to U.S. Senate Regarding the Smarter Sentencing Act of 2015
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham, April 14, 2015
Letter to U.S. Senate Regarding Corrections Oversight, Recidivism Reduction, and Eliminating Costs for Tax-payers in Our National System (CORRECTIONS) Act
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham, April 14, 2015
Letter to U.S. Sentencing Commission on Fixing Broken Sentencing Guidelines
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and Rev. Larry Snyder, July 7, 2014
Letter to U.S. Senate on Smarter Sentencing Act
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and Rev. Larry Snyder, March 27, 2014
Letter to Congress on Second Chance Act
Archbishop Thomas G.. Wenski and Rev. Larry Snyder, March 4, 2014
Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on Second Chance Act of 2007
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and Rev. Larry Snyder, April 18, 2007
Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on the Second Chance Act
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, July 26, 2006
Letter to U.S. House of Representative on the Second Change Act
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and Rev. Larry Snyder, April 29, 2005
Letters and Statements on Gun Violence
Background Information
Confronting a Culture of Violence: A Catholic Framework for Action
A Pastoral Message of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, 1994
Backgrounder on Gun Violence: A Mercy and Peacebuilding Approach to Gun Violence
January 2020
Backgrounder on Gun Violence: A Mercy and Peacebuilding Approach to Gun Violence
March 2018
Backgrounder on Confronting Armed Violence and Promoting Peace
February 2013
Backgrounder on Assault Weapons
February 2005
2019-Present
Statement on the July 4 Shooting in Highland Park, Illinois
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, and Archbishop William E. Lori, July 6, 2022
Bishop Chairman Welcomes Passage of Bipartisan Safer Communities Act
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archbishop William E. Lori, and Bishop Thomas Daly, June 24, 2022
Letter to Congress Regarding Gun Violence and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archbishop William E. Lori, and Bishop Thomas Daly, June 23, 2022
U.S. Bishops’ Domestic Policy Chairman Commends Congressional Efforts to Address Gun Violence
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, June 14, 2022
Bishop Chairmen Call for Congressional Action to Address Gun Violence
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archbishop William E. Lori, and Bishop Thomas A. Daly, June 3, 2022
Letter to Congress Regarding Gun Violence and Root Causes of Violence
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archbishop William E. Lori, and Bishop Thomas A. Daly, June 3, 2022
Statement of USCCB on School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas
May 24, 2022
Statement of USCCB on Shootings in Buffalo and Laguna Woods
May 16, 2022
Letter to U.S. Senate Regarding Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, and Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, March 9, 2022
Call for Easter Response to Mass Shooting in Indianapolis
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, April 19, 2021
U.S. Bishop Chairman Mourns Loss of Life in Mass Shooting in Boulder, Colorado
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, March 24, 2021
Statement of U.S. Bishops’ Chairman for Domestic Justice Committee on Shootings in San Jose
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, May 26, 2021
U.S. Bishop Chairman Urges Peace Following Reports Warning of Plans for Additional Violence at State Capitols and U.S. Capitol
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, January 16, 2021
2019
Responses to the Plague of Gun Violence
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, November 11, 2019
USCCB President Issues Statement Following Shootings in Midland and Odessa
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, September 1, 2019
President of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice Issued a Statement After a Tragic Shooting in Dayton, Ohio
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo and Bishop Frank J. Dewane, August 4, 2019
President of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Domestic Justice Chairman issued a Statement Following Shooting in El Paso
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo and Bishop Frank J. Dewane, August 3, 2019
Bishops’ Conference Domestic Committee Chairman Reacts to Gilroy, California Shooting
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, July 30, 2019
U.S. Catholic Bishops' Domestic Justice Chairman Issues Statement Following Shooting in Virginia Beach
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, June 1, 2019
Domestic Justice Chairman Issues Statement Following Shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch near Denver, Colorado
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, May 8, 2019
President of U.S. Bishops’ Responds to Today’s Mass Shooting at New Zealand Mosques
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, March 15, 2019
2018
President of U.S. Bishops' Conference Issues Statement Following Deadly Shooting at Mercy Hospital in Chicago
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, November 20, 2018
President of U.S. Bishops’ Conference Issues Statement Following Deadly Shooting in California
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, November 8, 2018
President of U.S. Bishops' Conference Issues Statement Following Shooting in Pittsburgh
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, October 27, 2018
President of U.S. Bishops Conference Responds to Santa Fe High School Shooting
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, May 18, 2018
Domestic Justice and Education Chairmen Urge Concrete Actions to Address Scourge of Gun Violence
Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice and Bishop George V. Murry, March 5, 2018
Bishop Conference President Reaction to Shooting at Florida High School
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, February 14, 2018
President of U.S. Bishops Conference Response to Kentucky High School Shooting
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, January 23, 2018
2016-2017
Domestic Justice Chairman Urges True Debate on Gun Violence
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, November 7, 2017
President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Responds to Mass Shooting in Texas
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, November 5, 2017
USCCB President Calls for National Day of Prayer and Appoints Special Task Force to Promote Peace and Unity
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, July 21, 2016
USCCB President Calls for Prayers, Reflection, Civility and Dialogue
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, July 8, 2016
Chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development on President Obama’s Measures on the Regulation of Firearms
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, January 6, 2016
2012-2013
Bishop Blaire Voices Disappointment At Senate Failure To Support Measures To Reduce Gun Violence
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, April 19, 2013
Letter to Senate Leadership on Gun Violence Legislation
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, April 18, 2013
Chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development Urges Senate To Support Policies That Reduce Gun Violence, Build Culture Of Life
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, April 8, 2013
Letter to Senate on Gun Violence
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, April 8, 2013
USCCB Senate Testimony on Reducing Gun Violence
February 12, 2013
U.S. Bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development Expresses Hope That President’s Action On Guns Promotes A Culture Of Life
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, January 18, 2013
USCCB Committees Call For Action In Response To Newtown Tragedy I en Español
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, and Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, December 21, 2012
Cardinal Dolan Offers Prayers for Families, Victims of Connecticut School Shooting
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, December 14, 2012