The Pennsylvania Council of Churches endorses a vision of criminal justice that is based on equal justice for all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, class, religion, sexual orientation, or economic resources. As Christians, we speak from the perspective that the message of a Messiah that was unjustly executed is one that places a moral imperative on ending state sponsored executions. The ministry of Christ and the teachings of the prophets form the basis of the Council’s position on the death penalty. Jesus spoke against hatred and for love at every turn; putting someone to death, whether as an individual or government, is not an act of love. The death penalty is an act of retribution, not justice. Jesus spoke against the retribution—“an eye for an eye”—and encouraged the eternally revolutionary mandate to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). The finality of the death penalty raises fairness as a standard to a level that currently does not exist in our criminal justice system. Because of this, the Council opposes the death penalty in any form. We believe that it is not a deterrent to crime, is economically costly, and is often racist and classist in its application.