Death Sentence in Church Blast Cases Opposed

(December 4, 2008) Some Christians say they cannot support capital punishment that a court in Bangalore awarded to 11 people convicted of bombing churches in three states in 2000. "We would welcome harsh punishment," Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore said. He pointed out that Church teaching opposes capital punishment, "no matter how severe the crime is." In addition to the death sentences also sentenced 12 others involved in the blasts to life imprisonment on November 29. The explosions damaged the churches, but the only deaths were of two people suspected of involvement in the bombings. The convicted are members of a Muslim sect, Deendar Anjuman (organization for duty). The group, now banned, was founded in 1924 in Karnataka to unite Muslims and Hindus, but that aim later changed and members began to work for the Islamization of India through violent activities. The sentences should be seen as "a lesson" to people involved in repeated attacks on churches, said Archbishop Moras. Indians put "religious sentiments above their lives," and those attacking churches "should learn from this judgment." The Church opposes the death penalty, but the prelate noted that those sentenced to death in the bombings still have the option of appealing to higher courts for leniency. And in the Indian judicial system, death sentences meted by a special court have to be confirmed by the state High Court, even without an appeal. A Bangalore-based Christian organization, the Global Council of Indian Christians has urged the government to commute all 11 death sentences to life imprisonment. Its president, Sajan K. George said that he welcomed the "award of punishment" but explained that Christians cannot support capital punishment as "we believe life as a pure gift" of God.