For a consistent life ethic

Catholic New Times, July 4, 2004 by Mary Rider

As a Christian pacifist, I don't believe in killing people. From the womb to the tomb life is sacred. That's why I oppose abortion, war and capital punishment.

I opposed the State of Florida's execution of Paul Hill, the first person executed for anti-abortion violence in the United States. Hill was convicted and his life was taken by the State last September for the murder of Dr. John Britton and James Barrett as they entered the former's abortion clinic.

While Hill's actions were abhorrent, killing a killer only reinforces the false belief that killing is sometimes an acceptable moral option to correct a wrong.

Recently I saw a bumper sticker stating, "When Jesus said, 'Love your enemies,' it probably meant we shouldn't kill them." I agree.

The U.S. wars on Iraq and Afghanistan were wrong, just like the countless previous wars waged in the name of peace, freedom or democracy. Millions have died, and the world is no safer.

The bottom line is: respect for life has to include everybody--even those who kill the innocent. There's no such thing as justifiable homicide, whether the killer is a misguided zealot or Florida's executioner.

A Christian's opposition to killing must be comprehensive. I challenge those who call themselves "pro-life" to examine their arguments against abortion and apply them to other situations in which human life is imperilled by violence. The mother who chooses abortion; the convicted killer on death row; the scores of people killed and displaced by war--all of them are God's children. I also challenge those who oppose the death penalty to examine their arguments and apply them to other situations as well. Killing an innocent unborn child cannot be accepted anymore than killing a guilty inmate on death row.

Paul Hill believed his killing of two men was somehow justified, but killing can never be used to show that killing is wrong. Now the State of Florida has killed Hill and many believe this is justified, but killing can never be used to show that killing is wrong.

By executing Hill, Florida made Hill a martyr for his cause. Until we learn to use the tools of nonviolent conflict resolution the cycle of violence will continue.

Mary Rider is executive director of Consistent Life News.