Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde and Richmond Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo recently collaborated on a letter sent to Virginia Gov. Mark R. Warner asking to commute the sentence of Robin Lovitt to life in prison.

"Circumstances like these heighten a risk that is surely one to avoid at all costs — that is, the risk of executing someone when doubts about his conviction linger," wrote Virginia’s two Catholic bishops about Lovitt, who is scheduled for execution July 11.

According to Jeff Caruso, executive director of the Virginia Catholic Conference, Lovitt was convicted of murdering a man in a pool hall with a pair of scissors. One of the problems with his case, though, is that DNA evidence was destroyed by state officials.

"Reports have indicated that physical evidence which may have been improperly tested was later destroyed, thus eliminating the opportunity for post-conviction retesting to prevent error," the letter said.

But it is not just because there is question surrounding Lovitt’s conviction that the bishops wrote their letter.

"The death penalty would be unnecessary, and hence inappropriate, even if we could be absolutely certain of Mr. Lovitt’s guilt," the bishops said, adding that today’s society can be protected without the use of capital punishment.

Virginia has a life without parole sentence available, and the bishops argue that this should be used instead of the death penalty.

"We should not make use of the ultimate punishment," Caruso said. It would be much better to spare someone’s life.

"It is important for the bishops to underscore the belief that the death penalty is not necessary in our state," he said. "We look to promoting a culture of life. Part of that is opposing the death penalty in our place and time."

Caruso explained that there are different ways of promoting the culture of life. The Church’s teaching against abortion, embryonic stem-cell research and euthanasia is absolute. When it comes to the death penalty, however, the Church teaches that it may be appropriate if it is the only way to keep society safe. Bishops Loverde and DiLorenzo argue that in the U.S. today, it is not needed.

"The life-sentence alternative, we believe, is unique in its ability to securely protect state residents and at the same time uphold the dignity belonging to every person, even to one convicted of a brutal crime," the letter states. "Ultimately, we ask you to reject the extreme and unnecessary measure of taking his life to show that taking life is wrong."

The bishops acknowledged the fact that the victim’s family has suffered greatly from Lovitt’s crime. They pledged their continued support of such families.

"We ardently desire healing that cannot come from more loss of life," the letter said.

Our Lady of La Salette Sister Connie Parcasio, coordinator of prison ministry for Catholic Charities, compared the bishops’ letter to a father defending a son from death.

"They courageously stepped forward," she said of the bishops. "No one else is more empowered to do this. No one else can more appropriately undertake this action than you upon whom God entrusted the care of His people in Virginia."

Sister Connie hopes the bishops will continue to defend the defenseless, especially the unborn and those on death row. She encouraged all Catholics to pray for victims of crime and their families, learn about Catholic social teaching, educate people about it and advocate in favor of it by contacting elected officials.

"With (the bishops), I believe that it is unnecessary for the state to take away Mr. Lovitt’s life and deprive him forever the possibility to amend his life," Sister Connie said. She then pointed to Christ as the ultimate example on how to act.

"He came to give us life — not kill us because we sinned," she said.

The bishops aren’t the only ones advocating for clemency for Lovitt. The confusion surrounding the lost DNA samples has many groups concerned. Investigators are looking into police procedures in handling DNA evidence. There is also a plea for the governor to stay the 23 death sentences in Virginia until DNA retesting can occur, said Caruso.

"There is the potential that someone wrongly convicted will be executed," he continued. "This brings the fairness of the death penalty in Virginia into question."

Gov. Warner has never granted clemency to a convict before.

"We only hope he’ll consider our case a strong one," Caruso said.

Caruso suggested that any interested parties should contact Gov. Warner to request that he commute Lovitt’s sentence to life in prison. To contact the governor, write to Gov. Mark R. Warner, Executive Office Building, 3rd Floor, 1111 East Broad St., Richmond, Va. 23219 or call 804/786-2211. To send an e-mail, go to www.governor.virginia.gov and click on "Contacting the Governor."