Recently, the OYM has campaigned to educate people about the injustice of executing juvenile offenders. While we abhor the crimes committed by the guilty on death row and feel a deep sense of sorrow for the victims and their families we know that the death penalty is not the solution.

This is particularly evident in the case of, Chris Simmons,who was seventeen when convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of Shirley Crook. In cooperation with many other Archdiocesan agencies, the OYM launched a major prayer and letter writing campaign to educate the public and persuade the Governor and the Missouri Supreme Court to prevent Simmons’ execution.

The people of the Archdiocese, the nation, and the world responded. An incredibly large number of letters rolled in from around the world and there was substantial attention from the media. The effort made an impact. The Missouri Supreme Court granted Chris a stay while awaiting future decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court. He remains under death sentence, but an execution date no longer hangs over him. We thank God for the delay and the recent decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court, which have slightly limited some use of the death penalty.

Thanks to everyone who has been involved, either by prayer, letter-writing, or witnessing. Your involvement means a great deal to Chris. Should Chris receive another execution date, the OYM will mobilize another campaign to request a commutation of sentence. Be ready!

This article appeared in the Spring 2002 issue of the OYM Update.