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Compelling event to explore Catholic perspective on the death penalty
By Julie Filby
A film screening of “No Tomorrow” and discussion of Catholic teaching on the death penalty should make for an absorbing event 7 p.m. Jan. 26 in Bonfils Hall of the John Paul II Center.
The two-hour presentation, “Catholic perspective on the death penalty,” is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Denver.
The evening will start with a 60-minute screening of the documentary “No Tomorrow.” The ensuing discussion will be led by Christian Brugger, author of “Capital Punishment and Roman Catholic Moral Tradition” and professor of moral theology at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary.
“Catholic moral teaching is opposed to capital punishment in practice but not in principle,” explained Brugger. “This is a shift from the historic position of the Catholic Church on the issue. The turn was most dramatically effected under the pontificate of John Paul II.”
The film “No Tomorrow” by Public Policy Productions relays the story of the 2007 trial of Juan Jose Chavez. Chavez was accused of three homicides including the murder of Risa Bejarano. Bejarano had been the subject of a previous film by Public Policy Productions “Aging Out” about teens leaving the foster care system and their struggle to overcome childhood abuse and neglect.
During the penalty phase of Chavez’s trial, the prosecutor asked to show “Aging Out” to heighten sympathy for Bejarano and opposition to Chavez. After much argument the film was allowed. A few days later the jury returned a verdict of the death penalty for the murder of Bejarano.
“The movie’s message on the death penalty is mixed,” said Brugger. “Both defenders and opponents will find support in the story line and challenges to their own positions.”
The documentary’s creators were unsettled by the possibility that their film had influenced the jury’s decision.
“At first we were happy that our film could speak for Risa and give her a voice at the trial,” said co-producer/director Roger Weisberg. “But when the prosecutor decided to seek the death penalty…we became increasingly ambivalent because we knew he intended to use our film to persuade the jury to impose the death penalty.
“As filmmakers who knew and loved Risa; we wanted her murderer to be severely punished, but we have always been morally opposed to the death penalty,” Weisberg said.
The discussion following the screening should clarify Church teaching on capital punishment.
“The discussion will provide an opportunity for guests to get clearer on what the Catholic Church in fact teaches, and does not teach, on the issue,” said Brugger. “I anticipate that it will be lively time for questions and answers.”
The 7 p.m. event is free and open to the public. The John Paul II Center is located at 1300 Steele St. in Denver. Seating is first come, first served. For more information call 303-715-3123 or e-mail info@archden.org.
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