The non-violent principles of the world’s major religions have been violated endlessly, often by the very leaders of those religions. But that in no way negates the principles.

The appeals process for death sentences in this country adds many years of prison time. When the day comes, we are not executing the same person anymore. Change is inevitable and sometimes very positive. Therefore, at what point is the price paid and at what point can we forgive?

Each week in The Christian Citizen, we publish a Religion News Roundup with summaries of religion news stories and links for those who want to read more.

The goal needs to be to create a safe environment and still be a welcoming place for worship. Each congregation needs to choose their own way to respond, keeping in mind that our Gospel call is to “seek first the kingdom.”

By honoring the order of Jesus’ two Great Commandments and giving them their due weight, we will find that the second, to love our neighbor, ought to increase exponentially, for out of our love for the Divine arises a passion for justice, kindness, and mercy.