PROPOSED RESOLUTION FOR CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS/FAITH-BASED
ORGANIZATIONS AND CHURCHES
We [Organization/Church] oppose any legislative initiatives seeking to adopt the
death penalty in Minnesota as a method of punishment for state crimes. [We also
oppose the federal government’s efforts to impose the death penalty as a method
of punishment for federal crimes committed in Minnesota.]
WHEREAS a number of religious bodies have spoken out against the death
penalty; and
WHEREAS rejection of the death penalty promotes efforts to break the cycle of
violence and demonstrates our beliefs that we need not take life for life and that
we can envision more humane, more hopeful and more effective responses to
violent crime while striving for a more just and compassionate society; and
WHEREAS rejection of the death penalty is a manifestation of our belief in the
unique worth and dignity of each person as a creature made in the image and
likeness of God; and
WHEREAS rejection of the death penalty is most consonant with the example of
Jesus, who both taught and practiced the forgiveness of injustice and who came
“to give His life as ransom for many” (Mark 10:45), and is wholly consistent with
our belief in the power of God’s redemptive and forgiving love; and
WHEREAS modern society has the means of protecting itself, without definitively
denying criminals the opportunity to reform.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this [Organization/Church] calls on
the Governor and our state representatives [and our representatives in
Congress] to oppose any legislative initiatives seeking to adopt the death penalty
as a method of punishment for state crimes [and to oppose the federal
government’s efforts to impose the death penalty as a method of punishment for
federal crimes committed in Minnesota].
BEIT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution shall be forwarded to
the Governor and our state representatives [and to our representatives in
Congress].
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