[The Living Church] The Bishop of Oklahoma, the Rt. Revd. Robert Moody, has asked his diocese to prayerfully address the issue of capital punishment and critically look at how it impacts on the society at large.

This appeal was made in a demonstration called "The Whom the Bell Toll", following last year's execution of 11 people in Oklahoma. This year eight executions, one every Tuesday and Thursday, were scheduled or carried out.

In 1999, the Diocese of Oklahoma passed a resolution opposing death penalty.

Bishop Moody further asked churches to ring a bell two minutes at 6pm on execution days and those without bells were asked to drape an outside door in black or tie ribbons around trees or utility poles.

Bishop Moody said, "I recognise that Christian men and women differ on this issue. However, as you bishop, I ask you to prayerfully address this issue anew?" He added, "For me, I have concluded that capital punishment contributes nothing that betters our society and I cannot imagine our Lord condoning capital punishment."

He also said that he was aware there is significant number of who believe capital punishment is an appropriate way to curb crime and that it is a just punishment for criminals.

"I am not saying they are wrong, Bishop Moodly told MSNB television. "But even if they are right, the fact is people will be executed in the name of the state. Those are souls that need to be prayed for along with those of the victims of crime."