Death Penalty-What does your Church say?

Capital Punishment of convicted murderers in Florida has recently been a front page topic. We read about the opposing viewpoints of those who are for and those who are against the death penalty. I realize this is a very controversial topic. One that cannot be fully covered in this short column. So let’s start with what the Catholic Church says about capital punishment?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church admits the State has the right and the duty to “inflict appropriate punishment proportionate to the gravity of the offense”. This punishment has a couple of effects. One, it should protect society from a person who is a known murderer. Two is should contribute to the rehabilitation or repentance of the offender. The first effect, the protection of society, can be achieved by execution. However, the Church says execution should be the last resort and used only if society cannot be protected in any other way. The Catechism says, “. . . the cases in which the execution of the offender is an absolute necessity are very rare, if not practically non-existent”. Due to the advances in the penal system, life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, is the preferred method of protecting society. Secondly, life in prison allows time and the opportunity for the offender to repent of his or her crime and be forgiven by God.

I know this does not adequately address all the questions and arguments for and against the death penalty. I would advise everyone to seek out additional Catholic statements and teachings about capital punishment and the dignity of human life. Web sites: http://flacathconf.org / or http://www.priestsforlife.org .

"As I live, says the Lord God, I swear I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, but rather that he may be converted and live." Ezekiel 33:11

Deacon Mike