As the State of Utah executes Taberon Honie, local Catholics raise their voices against death penalty: Catholics pray outside prison prior to execution

Friday, Aug. 16, 2024

SALT LAKE CITY — Catholics comprised a significant portion of the 40 or so people who gathered on the road about two miles from the Utah State Correctional Facility a couple hours before midnight on Aug. 7. Many held signs with messages such as “All life is precious” and “Thou shalt not kill.” They were there to protest the imminent execution of Taberon Honie, who was put to death by lethal injection for sexually assaulting and murdering Claudia Benn, a resident of Cedar City, in 1998.

 Deacon Mike Bulson, who ministers at Saint Andrew Parish in Riverton, led the rosary. As he introduced each Sorrowful Mystery, he tied it into the pending event. For example, for the fifth Sorrowful Mystery, the crucifixion and death of Jesus on the cross, he said, “Jesus is thrown down on this hard cross, just as Mr. Honie is thrown down on this gurney to prepare for his execution, and we remember as well how Jesus forgave those who were carrying out the execution; how he said, ‘Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.’” 

Frankie Lucas, a St. Patrick parishioner, said she had already been in bed when she decided instead to get up to attend the vigil. She had been following the events all day, she said. “Because I’m Native American as well [Honie was a member of the Hopi tribe], it hits me different” than other people, Lucas said. 

“I don’t think it’s right, what they’re doing; we’re doing the same thing – we’re taking a life,” she added.

Similarly, Gerri Mackey, a St. Vincent de Paul parishioner, said she attended because “I don’t believe in killing. I don’t believe in killing, from conception to natural death – never have.”

Terry Maio, a St. Andrew parishioner who has been involved with the diocesan prison ministry for several years, said the vigil brought to mind the words of Mother Theresa, that “if we want peace in this world we have to remember [that] all of us are brothers and sisters in Christ. ”

“I don’t think the answer is just taking another life,” he continued, and added, “I’d feel guilty if on one hand I prayed to God to give us a way to get out of all these abortions and useless killings but then on the other hand I shrug my shoulders and say, ‘Well, it’s OK to kill somebody [by execution.] And it’s not. … Save the judgement. That’s God’s job.” 

As the time for the scheduled execution drew near, those gathered joined in praying the Psalm 21, and also singing Amazing Grace.

Sofia Palestino of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish attended the vigil “to pray for the soul of Mr. Honie, for his family and all the people that have been affected with this tragedy,” she said. “May the angels come and receive him, and take him through to the presence of our Lord.”

She also wanted to be present because “I don’t believe in the death penalty. I don’t think two wrongs [make a right.]”

The execution was scheduled for 12:01 a.m. At midnight, those present fell silent until Honie’s death was declared almost half an hour later.

 “The execution has been confirmed, and the world is no safer,” said Abraham Bonowitz, head of the national Death Penalty Action program, who was in Utah to protest the execution. “Utah is no safer. Another victim family has been created and a victim family is soon to learn that another killing didn’t change anything for them. There will always be that empty chair at the table when the family gathers; and no amount of killing will bring back our loved ones.”

Michelle Beasley, a Blessed Sacrament parishioner and lay ecclesial minister who organized several events to protest the execution, pleaded with those present to continue their opposition to the death penalty. “Please, let’s keep going,” she said.

Father John Evans, vicar general, led a prayer to end the vigil, asking God to “fill us with your spirit, that we might be people of mercy. Fill us with your spirit, that we might have greater hope in the world and in our lives. Fill us with your spirit that we might have a heart that can forgive, and we can teach our children to forgive and to have mercy, and to have love for every person; that we would better see the dignity of each and every person, and what is objective and true in your wisdom. … As we pray for Honie and his victim and other victims and other perpetrators of terrible crimes, help us to see your greater work of the possibility of redemption, that your salvific work could continue in us, that people would find healing and hope and better see your goodness in each and every one of us.” 

On Aug. 8, Gov. Spencer Cox issued a statement on the execution, saying, “Early this morning the state of Utah fulfilled its legal obligation to carry out the execution of Taberon Honie. The actions of Mr. Honie that led to his death sentence are heinous. I respect the process of our criminal justice system, and recognize the countless public servants who meticulously planned and approached their responsibilities with professionalism. I hope this brings closure to those impacted by the crimes. My heart goes out to the victim’s family.”