BAHAMAS: CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP CONDEMNS CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

a Christian faith leader in the Bahamas declared that capital punishment needs to be abolished and other alternatives for punishment considered. Archbishop Patrick Pinder echoed those sentiments while addressing the legal fraternity during their annual Red Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral on West Street. "Throughout human history one of the thorns has been the question of capital punishment," the Archbishop said. "Should we or should we not maintain or enforce the death penalty? Judging by recent local demonstrations and pronouncements on the part of those who support capital punishment and want to see hangings, I would say that it is a matter of importance and urgency that calls for voices of reason to rise up in opposition." "Among those who support the death penalty there are many unvaried justifications for supporting this most extreme form of punishment." Archbishop Pinder also strongly affirmed the church’s belief in the sanctity of life.