Post by Anja Nieser on Sept 14, 2006 5:33:44 GMT -5
Peru's Prelates Reaffirm Death Penalty Stance
LIMA, Peru, SEPT. 13, 2006 (Zenit.org).- As Peruvians debate a proposal to apply the death penalty to individuals who sexually assault and murder minors, the country's bishops have urged unconditional respect for human life.
In a communiqué, the bishops underlined the primacy and inviolability of human life, stressing that no one can do away with his own or another's life, as this is a grave offense against God, the sole owner of life.
"The value of human life, including that of the sinner, is very important for God," the episcopal document states.
It mentions as an example a Gospel passage, John 8:8, in which Jesus seeks a change in the way of living of the adulterous woman rather than resort to the death penalty, which the law prescribed.
"The state has the responsibility to protect life, especially that of the defenseless, but this duty -- an expression of legitimate defense -- does not imply the use of violence," says the communiqué. It adds that the state must "defend the public order and people's security and contribute to the correction of the guilty one."
LIMA, Peru, SEPT. 13, 2006 (Zenit.org).- As Peruvians debate a proposal to apply the death penalty to individuals who sexually assault and murder minors, the country's bishops have urged unconditional respect for human life.
In a communiqué, the bishops underlined the primacy and inviolability of human life, stressing that no one can do away with his own or another's life, as this is a grave offense against God, the sole owner of life.
"The value of human life, including that of the sinner, is very important for God," the episcopal document states.
It mentions as an example a Gospel passage, John 8:8, in which Jesus seeks a change in the way of living of the adulterous woman rather than resort to the death penalty, which the law prescribed.
"The state has the responsibility to protect life, especially that of the defenseless, but this duty -- an expression of legitimate defense -- does not imply the use of violence," says the communiqué. It adds that the state must "defend the public order and people's security and contribute to the correction of the guilty one."