The death penalty is viewed as inconsistent with the Christian belief in the sanctity of life and with the hope of forgiveness and resurrection. Furthermore, the lack of conclusive evidence that the penalty deters murders is emphasized. Out of 14 States without the death penalty, 7 had the lowest murder rates in the county. In addition, prison may have a rehabilitative effect on murderers: while the recidivism rate for felony criminals is about 40 percent, that for paroled murderers is less than 2 percent -- and usually not for violent crimes. The death penalty is also rejected because the poor and minority group members receive it more often than financially secure whites, and because it costs the taxpayers more (in court and death-row prison security costs) than life imprisonment. A tape script with slide references is provided.