Prayer warriors against the death penalty

Hands are shown holding a sign that reads, "Stop the Execution."

Protesters opposed to the death penalty demonstrate outside a Georgia state prison for men in Jackson in this 2008 file photo. Called the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison, it holds the state's execution chamber. (CNS/Reuters/Tami Chappell)

Sr. Eileen Reilly said relatives of crime victims often serve as the strongest advocates against the death penalty. "If I lost my daughter to murder, is murdering your son going to help at all? No, it isn't," said Reilly, religious engagement associate for Catholic Mobilizing Network.

The organization, based in Washington, D.C., works to abolish the death penalty nationwide and promotes restorative justice rather than punishment.

Praying at execution sites can be powerful, Reilly said. "It brings it into our hearts in a way that's important."

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GSR shares clips from our friends at A Nun's Life Ministry. Check out full episodes of all their podcasts (Ask Sister, In Good Faith, Random Nun Clips and more, like the archived Motherhouse Road Trips) on their website, ANunsLife.org.

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