 November/December 2000 (XXXVIII 5) |
n the recommendation of the Peace and Concerns Standing Committee, Interim Meeting in September named Arthur Clark of Germantown Meeting (PA) to represent PYM on an Interfaith Coalition organized by the Pennsylvania Prison Society to oppose the death penalty. Arthur also provides staff support to the Clemency Project Working Group of PYM.
Death Row Populations Executions Since 1976 Delaware 18 10 Maryland 18 3 New Jersey 17 0 Pennsylvania 235 3 New York 5 0 Texas 455 231 Source: Death Penalty information Center, Washington DC Recent actions to oppose the death penalty include:
"Speak Out Against the Death Penalty" was expertly organized by Bill DiMascio, executive director of the Pennsylvania Prison Society and others. Approximately 10, 000 signatures in support of a moratorium on the death penalty in Pennsylvania were delivered to Harrisburg in October and into the hands of State Senator Edward Helfrick. Members of the faith community and others attending an October 10 event called on their representatives in the state General Assembly to generate support for this moratorium.
Pennsylvania Abolitionists Organized Against the Death Penalty has organized chapters at different locations and for different constituencies in the Commonwealth. It is part of a coalition working specifically on achieving a moratorium. Many see this work as a first step toward eliminating the death penalty in Pennsylvania.
Journey of Hope, an organization of murder victims' family members, promotes alternatives to the death penalty.
Illinois Governor George Ryan on January 31, 2000, ordered a moratorium on executions, based on the fear of executing an innocent person.
During June 1998 Philadelphia Bar Association chancellors urged Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge to halt executions.
These and many other developments have created a favorable climate for vigorous opposition by PYM to the penalty of death.
Many Friends in Philadelphia Yearly Meeting are working in their states to abolish the death penalty. These Friends include: in Pennsylvania, Joan Broadfield, 610-874-5860; David Rose, 610-253-2577; Joann Hessmiller jmn@enter.net; in Delaware, John Beer, 302-368-1041; in New Jersey, Barry De Saw, 856-299-0440.
Finally, we urge Friends to review carefully the PYM minute adopted in opposition to the penalty of death and find ways to express our faith and practice effectively in accord with this minute.
Arthur Clark
Germantown Meeting (PA)
PYM representative to Interfaith Coalition
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:19 AM