Church members can play an active role in abolishing state executions in Maryland. The time to act is now!

 

crossTHE BIBLE COMMANDS:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer…
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your father in heaven.” Matthew 5:38-39, 43-45

“Never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:19-21

CHURCH LEADERS TESTIFY:
“How, in the end, does killing its citizens help the state to build the nonviolent, just and civil society that we all desire for ourselves and our children?” Bishop Eugene T. Sutton of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland.

“The United Methodist Church cannot accept retribution or social vengeance as a reason for taking a life. It violates our deepest belief in God as the creator and redeemer of humankind… United Methodists emphatically declare that ‘We oppose capital punishment and urge its elimination from all criminal codes’ (Book of Discipline, Para 164 A).” Bishop Schol, Bishop of the United Methodist Church in the Baltimore-Washington Conference

THE MARYLAND COMMISSION ON CAPITAL PUNISHMENT RECOMMENDS:
Maryland should repeal its death penalty citing the following findings:

  • The death penalty adds to the stress and trauma of families of victims.
  • Racial and jurisdictional disparities exist here in Maryland.
  • There is a real possibility of risk that innocent people might be executed.
  • The death penalty is not a deterrent.
  • The death penalty costs more than a life sentence without parole.