Bill Text: VA SJR107 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Michael E. Stone.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-02-19 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ107ER) [SJR107 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-SJR107-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Michael E. Stone, an esteemed non-profit and faith community organizer who has advocated for a consistent ethic of life for more than four decades, including nine years as executive director of Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, retired in 2023; and
WHEREAS, after serving for two years in Maine as a parish social ministry coordinator responsible for parish leadership training, development of service and action projects, and education in 35 Catholic parishes, Michael Stone arrived in Virginia where he would assist efforts in strengthening social justice engagement within the faith-based community; and
WHEREAS, as a director of the office of Justice & Peace for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, Michael Stone coordinated the Catholic social mission in southern Virginia, leading 12 staff members, providing leadership development in social ministry in 152 churches over a 33,000 square mile area, and mobilizing volunteers to advocate and educate on a diverse range of issues with members of the Virginia General Assembly and the United States Congress; and
WHEREAS, Michael Stone has been a tireless and visionary advocate, leading the way in promoting programs that support life-affirming decisions and advocating in the public policy arena to protect human life at every stage; and
WHEREAS, Michael Stone played a central role in establishing the Virginia Catholic Conference as a public policy voice for the Catholic faith community; and
WHEREAS, as a leader in the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, Michael Stone helped harness the strength of a diverse faith community representing a powerful moral voice for social change, particularly on behalf of low-income communities; and
WHEREAS, as executive director of Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, Michael Stone reached across political and philosophical lines to identify and engage with opponents to the death penalty, including violent crime victims able to offer personal testimony to the futility of the death penalty; and
WHEREAS, Michael Stone established a reputation for an honest exchange of ideas with elected officials throughout the Commonwealth, a benefit to both the abolition movement and an understanding of the issues surrounding abolition; and
WHEREAS, the coalition of Virginians organized by Michael Stone played a critical role in the repeal of Virginia's death penalty law; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Michael E. Stone on his retirement as executive director of Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Michael E. Stone as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration and gratitude for his contributions to the Commonwealth and best wishes for a long and fulfilling retirement.
