On the death penalty, he said....because we have prisons and a means to lock up those that could harm us, to kill them is not right....
that killing them....them as in those that have murdered others, if there was no means to keep them locked up to protect us from them would be acceptable...but since there are prisons to keep them locked up and us safe, it is unholy and unjust and not right to kill them.
Your priest ought to read the Bible sometimes.
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is GodÂ’s servant to do you good.
But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is GodÂ’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are GodÂ’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13: 1-7)