On July 1, 1999, Florida's Catholic bishops called on Gov

On July 1, 1999, Florida's Catholic bishops called on Gov. Jeb Bush to spare the lives of two condemned killers, Thomas Provenzano and Allen Lee Davis. They declared that life without a chance for parole is sufficient punishment even for heinous crimes. "What example is set when our state legitimizes killing?" they commented. Although Florida's bishops have spoken out against the death penalty for decades, that was the first time they have addressed a Florida Governor in an open letter and the first time they have specifically called on one to commute a killer's sentence, according to the Florida Catholic Conference. "I believe my support of the death penalty in the rare case where it is appropriate is compatible with my faith," said Gov. Bush, who converted to Catholicism four years ago. Studies indicate that Catholics support the death penalty in roughly the same percentage as the general population - about 70% - and experts say the margin may be greater among Catholics living in the Sun Belt.