"Since the penal system of our state is well equipped to keep them incarcerated for the rest of their life (and thus protect society), we should limit ourselves to non-lethal means – hence this appeal to you," the bishop argued.
The bishop also pointed out some practical arguments against the death penalty's use in the state, including that the punishment is frequently applied inconsistently, even among similar crimes; that the death penalty is more costly than other sentences; and that more than 139 death row inmates from 36 states have been exonerated since 1973, after evidence showed their innocence.
He also pointed out that in an overwhelming majority of death row cases, no DNA evidence exists to ensure the inmate's guilt, and the inmates are too poor to afford their own attorney.
Bishop Taylor recognized Hutchinson's duty to execute the state's laws, including that of the death penalty, but also reminded him that he is also subject to a "higher law, the divine law."
"As governor you have the power to commute these sentences to life without possibility of parole and so I appeal to you to do so – and not only out of concern for these eight men, but also out of concern for the damage that the death penalty does to all of us as a society," the bishop wrote.
While the bishop's letter has not stopped the upcoming executions, Catholics in the state are not halting their protests or prayers.
The Benedictine Sisters of the St. Scholastica Monastery will hold a novena for the prisoners who will be executed and their clemency, and are inviting Catholics to join them by coming to pray daily April 9-17 at the monastery's cemetery.
In addition, on Good Friday, a non-partisan ecumenical group, the Arkansas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, will host a rally in front of the state capitol against the mass executions.
Adelaide Mena was the DC Correspondent for Catholic News Agency until 2017 and is a 2012 graduate of Princeton University.