The criminal justice systems.

Q: The death penalty is in the news these days since the Pope has declared that that form of punishment is no longer necessary, given our modern day success with the criminal justice systems. If you care to, can you update us on the current Orthodox view of the use of the death penalty in light of His Holiness’ comments?  Or is it evolving too?

A: The Church, as the arbiter of Christ, would obviously be against any form of capitol punishment - as well as any forms of torture and/or inhumane treatment of prisoners. Christ's statements such as "Those who live by the sword will die by the sword...", "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone..., "turn the other cheek...," and "to forgive sins 70 times 70..." all speak to a new testament way of respecting life no matter how vial or hideous the crime.

Fr. John