Minute on Capital Punishment

Members of the Society of Friends believe that each person, including those who are accused or convicted of committing murder, is enlivened by the divine spirit. We further believe that it is morally wrong for one person, or the state, to take the life of another. Capital punishment ignores the sacredness of human life, and perpetuates the violence it hopes to prevent.

We, the members of Fresh Pond Monthly Meeting of the Religious society of Friends, abhor the use of capital punishment for any crime, under any circumstances. We believe that a human life should be in God’s hands, not the states.

We petition our representatives to vote against the use of the death penalty for any crime.

Approved in Meeting for Business, March 14, 1999