Justice, Mercy, and the Sanctity of Life: NaLEC Reaffirms Its Historic Opposition to the Death Penalty
October 9, 2026 | Orlando, Florida
What does it mean to affirm the sanctity of life while considering the public display of an execution? And how should our understanding of justice reflect the biblical conviction that every human being is created in the image of God?
Rev. Dr. Jeanette Salguero raises these profound theological and moral questions as the National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NaLEC) reaffirms its historic opposition to capital punishment.
“Saddened and confused by a society that loudly proclaims the sanctity of life while contemplating broadcasting a human being’s execution.”
— Rev. Dr. Jeanette Salguero
In March 2015, NaLEC became the first national evangelical organization to publicly oppose the death penalty, grounding its position in the Gospel, the dignity of human life, and the recognition that our justice system remains vulnerable to human error and inequality.
Eleven years later, that conviction remains unchanged.
Our position does not diminish the suffering of victims or the responsibility of those who commit heinous crimes. Justice requires accountability, compassion for grieving families, and a serious commitment to protecting our communities.
Yet, as Rev. Dr. Jeanette Salguero reminds us:
“Certainly, the innocent child and the convicted murderer are not morally equivalent. Their actions and responsibilities are profoundly different. But the theological question remains: Does sin erase the imago Dei?”
Scripture invites us to wrestle with this question through the lens of God’s justice, mercy, and desire for repentance.
Ezekiel 18:23 (NIV)
“Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?”
Ezekiel 18:32 (NIV)
“For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!"....These passages invite us to consider how we understand justice, accountability, and the sacredness of human life, even in the face of profound wrongdoing.
As a coalition committed to faithful witness, NaLEC believes that justice must never become a spectacle. Our biblical convictions call us to uphold human dignity, accompany victims and their families with compassion, and examine the moral consequences of irreversible punishment.
The sanctity of life must remain central to our theological reflection, including when we confront the most difficult questions of justice and accountability.
Eleven years after our historic declaration, NaLEC continues to stand by its Gospel-centered commitment to ending capital punishment.
🔗Learn more about NaLEC’s official position on the death penalty and read our full statement:
