Christian Opposition to Capital Punishment The issue of the death penalty is one that we, as Christians, should address at this time as victims continue to be killed by the state. We should give religious teaching on this matter, to help those who are striving to clarify their thoughts on this complex and difficult matter. This is the topic of this article. There are two sources from which we gain information regarding the practice of capital punishment: (1) the holy scriptures and (2) the teachings of churches and synagogues throughout the ages. With them as a basis, we can make a theological analysis of our current circumstances and draw what we believe are valid conclusions. From the Holy Scriptures: The book of Genesis addresses the same problem and conflict we face today. It is the tension between the inviolable sacredness of human life, on the one hand, and man's responsibility in safeguarding the well-being of the community. The biblical authors viewed life as the gift of the life-giving God himself: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." (Gen. 1:23) “Then the Lord formed man of the dust of the earth, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living creature.” (Gen. 2:7) For one person to deprive another of that gift is an affront to the creator himself. There are many scriptural references that point out that the murderer must be punished. However, biblical tradition is also replete with reminders that vengeance belongs to the Lord and that he imposes the qualities of compassion and forgiveness on those believers in God's biblical revelation. every human life and the dignity of every human person and we thus question the imposition of the death penalty We recognize that our announcement is also a call to others to: 1. A further commitment of every person of good will to a greater. protection of society; 2. The affirmation of the value given by God to life; 3. The satisfaction of human needs for the relief of every human need. 4. The promotion of justice in society and peace among men. We Christians believe that the imposition of the death penalty in today's society constitutes an attack on the inviolability of human life and an affront to human dignity. The death penalty is also an affirmation of the sacredness of all human life and a call to all to make greater efforts individual and social for a more humane and just society.