Recently, both Canada and France refused to extradite prisoners to the U.S. unless promises that the individuals would not face the death penalty were made. The vast majority of mainline religions and faith groups hold positions opposing the death penalty . Most major denominations, including Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Methodist, Unitarian, Quaker, Jewish, among many others, maintain strong statements condemning the use of the death penalty. Pope John Paul II has repeatedly called for abolition of the death penalty and New Mexico s Catholic Bishops, along with the New Mexico Conference of Churches, have taken similar stands. Many Jewish, Protestant, Buddhist and other faith group leaders support alternatives to the death penalty and encourage their congregations to pray and study about this issue.
Public opinion supports alternatives to the death penalty .
Issues that raised doubts about using the death penalty included danger of executing innocent people, racism in application and failure of the penalty as a deterrent to crime.