I’m opposed to the death penalty primarily based on my Catholic faith. All human life, even those who are criminals are subject to forgiveness and redemption. I do not oppose lengthy prison sentences for murderers, though. I do believe that they can serve God in prison, if they desire.
True enough ... However, the issue, specifically as to murder, turns on forgiveness. Only God and the murderer's victim can forgive him for the murder. Others can only forgive him -- should he ask for forgiveness -- for what he did to them personally. That is, we cannot forgive someone for the harm they have done to someone else; we can only forgive them for what they have done to each of us.