Statement of John Zogby, President and CEO, Zogby International
| This has been an important and fascinating project.
In November, we conducted the largest and most comprehensive study (over 1700 interviews) of Catholic attitudes on the death penalty; we found that support for the use of the death penalty among American Catholics has plunged in the past few years. The intensity of support has declined as well. |
SLIDE 1 |
As the chart indicates, in past surveys Catholic support for the death penalty was as high as 68%. In our November survey, we found that less than half of the Catholic adults in our poll (48%) now support the use of the death penalty, while 47% oppose it. Even more striking, though, is the drop in intensity of support among those Catholics who continue to support the use of the death penalty. Further, the percentage of Catholics who are intensely supportive of the death penalty has been halved, from a high of 40% to 20% in this survey. |
SLIDE 2 |
Since the original survey was conducted in November, we decided to get a fresh set of numbers and conducted a follow-up survey this month. And as this slide indicates, it produced virtually identical results. However we found a 10% increase in Catholics who strongly oppose the use of the death penalty (27% to 37%). This may be a growing trend. |
SLIDE 3 |
Of particular interest is the finding in both surveys that frequent attendees of Mass are less likely to support the death penalty. Traditionally, this group has been seen as among the most politically conservative cohorts on some issues. In addition, younger Catholics are more opposed the use of the death penalty. And those who attended Catholic colleges also are more opposed to the death penalty. |
SLIDE 4 |
In our March survey, we found that almost a third of Catholics (29%) were “once in favor of the use of the death penalty, but now oppose it.” The number one reason cited for this change is “religion/belief.” |
SLIDE 5 |
Unlike the general population, the most popular reasons why Catholics oppose the death penalty are related to ‘Thou shalt not kill” and “respect for life.” They lead over such important concerns as poor legal representation among the condemned, the conviction and sentencing of some innocent people, and racially discriminatory practices on capital murder cases. |
SLIDE 6 |
One positive sign and call to action for the bishops’ Conference is in our March survey, two out of three Catholics apparently understand the teaching of the Catholic Church on the death penalty. In our earlier survey, Catholics by a wide margin believe the Pope and the Bishops oppose the use of the death penalty. |
SLIDE 7 |
Four out of every five Catholics (79%) believe that opposition to the use of the death penalty is “consistent with the defense of human life.” This number includes 69% of those who describe themselves as somewhat supportive of the death penalty. Also, just about two of three (63%) Catholics are deeply concerned about what the use of the death penalty “does to us as a people and a country.” Again, this includes a majority of those who are somewhat supportive of the death penalty. These results offer promise of persuading more Catholics on the issue. |
SLIDE 8 |
For the Bishops’ Conference, there is much good news in this research and much to build on. There is also clearly more work to be done in preaching, teaching, and helping Catholics think about and act on the death penalty. This is why I believe the Catholic Campaign to End the Use of the Death Penalty is an important development for the Church and the nation.