Ten of the 12 states with no death penalty have lower murder rates than the national average. It is primarily the poor and persons of color who are in danger of receiving the penalty of death. Death is irreversible. Innocents have been executed and innocent people have died of disease while living on death row. The governor of Illinois declared a moratorium on executions when it was brought to his attention that innocent prisoners in Illinois have come within days or hours of their execution.
Capital punishment is more expensive than life in prison.
Much of the world, including all of Western Europe, has forsaken use of the death penalty. There is growing international pressure for the United States to give up what is considered to be a barbaric practice by much of the world. Christian Theology places life and death in the hands of God. The Christian faith teaches us that it is never too late for a person to repent of his or her sins. Commentaries provided by United Methodist News Service do not necessarily represent the opinions or policies of UMNS or the United Methodist Church.