The recent Troy Davis execution in Georgia has put the issue of Capital Punishment in our news headlines. I thought it would be a good opportunity for thinking Christians to reflect on this very controversial topic. Below is an overview of the stance of the United Methodist Church. Please use this information to prayerfully consider what a Christian response is to this issue.
Overview of the United Methodist Church
Capital punishment, legalized killing by the state, has always been a deeply troublesome issue for religious and non-religious people alike.
Well-meaning people of faith weigh in on both sides of the debate. Some argue the death penalty deters crime and protects society. Others contend that it has not proven to be a deterrence, is biased against the poor and African Americans, and isn't something Jesus would "do." The death penalty is currently legal in 38 U.S. states.
The United Methodist Church, in its Social Principles, officially opposes capital punishment and urges its elimination from all criminal codes. The church's General Conference, a delegated body representing members around the world, meets every four years and is the only entity that can take official positions for the denomination. Those statements are included in the church's Book of Discipline and Book of Resolutions. On many issues addressed by the church, individual members hold a wide range of viewpoints, including outright opposition to denomination policy.
The United Methodist Church has held it's position on the death penalty for 50 years. At the 1956 General Conference in Minneapolis, delegates first passed legislation that put the church officially on record as opposed to the death penalty.
Each Methodist and United Methodist General Conference since that time has reaffirmed its opposition to capital punishment.
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