If you follow the link, you will find that the rationale for this action is written from the perspective of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America–the organization that posted the alert. I am grateful they did.
Being a Presbyterian, here is the information about the position of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and its predecessor denominations. The church has been strong and consistent in its call for a moratorium on capital punishment since 1959.
The following material comes from the PC(USA) web page.
“We believe that the death penalty challenges the redemptive power of the cross. God’s grace is sufficient for all humans regardless of their sin. As Christians, we must ‘seek the redemption of evildoers and not their death.’
“For the past 60 years (note this web page was created in 2019; 2018 appears to be the last year a General Assembly addressed the death penalty), the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has been advocating for an end to the death penalty.
- The 171st General Assembly, in 1959, asserted, ‘capital punishment cannot be condoned by an interpretation of the Bible based upon the revelation of God’s love in Jesus Christ,’ and noted that ‘the use of the death penalty tends to brutalize the society that condones it.’
- The 189th General Assembly, in 1977, called upon Presbyterians to work to prevent the execution of persons now under sentence of death and speak out against attempts to reinstate the death penalty in state and federal law.
- The 190th General Assembly, in 1978, stated strongly that ‘Capital punishment is an expression of vengeance which contradicts the justice of God on the cross.’
- The 197th General Assembly, in 1985, reaffirmed past positions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and declared ‘its continuing opposition to capital punishment.’
- In 2010 the church called for ‘an immediate moratorium on all executions in all jurisdictions that impose capital punishment.’
The most recent call for a moratorium was issued in 2018 by the 223rd General Assembly.
“The death penalty is cruel and unusual punishment. It has been proven to be racially biased. In fact, over the past 30 years research has shown that race is a significant factor in death penalty cases. Additionally, capital punishment does not deter crime.”
Use the action alert from the ELCA to urger your federal elected representatives to support the Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act.
Looking for more active prayers on this topic?
Check this action alert to advocate with your governor to address laws in your state (if needed).
Sign a petition – A Statement of Conscience: People of Faith Reject the Livestreaming of an Execution (thanks to the Rev. Wil Gafney, Ph.D. for calling this petition to my attention).
