A life taken

The state of Virginia took the life of a human being Thursday night. A mentally challenged woman at that. Their Republican governor refused to intervene. the U. S. Supreme Court refused to intervene. Those officials are complicit in the death.

Yes, I am against the death penalty. I don't believe "Thou shalt not kill," makes an exception for the imperfect laws set by humans.

I am not a supporter of the killing associated with war either, although I understand that sometimes war is unavoidable. Of course, that excludes the war in Iraq. That war was unnecessary and unjust.

But back to the killing of Teresa Lewis.

I've been studying the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church so let me share what they say about the death penalty. The bold print is mine.

We believe the death penalty denies the power of Christ to redeem, restore and transform all human beings. The United Methodist Church is deeply concerned about crime throughout the world and the value of any life taken by a murder or homicide. We believe all human life is sacred and created by God and therefore, we must see all human life as significant and valuable. When governments implement the death penalty (capital punishment), then the life of the convicted person is devalued and all possibility of change in that person’s life ends. We believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and that the possibility of reconciliation with Christ comes through repentance. This gift of reconciliation is offered to all individuals without exception and gives all life new dignity and sacredness. For this reason, we oppose the death penalty (capital punishment) and urge its elimination from all criminal codes.

I agree with this position entirely. I am angered whenever the state, whether it be the state of Alabama, Texas, Virginia or any other state, engage in this archaic and unhuman practice.

I pray that we will recognize our folly, and that the death penalty will be outlawed in our state and in our nation.