"Recently my brother bishops here in the United States renewed their call for the abolition of the death penalty. Not only do I support them, but I also offer encouragement to all those who are convinced that a just and necessary punishment must never exclude the dimension of hope and the goal of rehabilitation."
-Pope Francis, Addressing Congress on September 24th 2015
Dear OTSE Supporter,
These are exciting times in Ohio and beyond for everyone who wants to end the death penalty! Earlier this week, even U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia said he “wouldn’t be surprised” to see the end of capital punishment.
Our job here in Ohio is to keep building the momentum towards the day when the U.S. Supreme Court recognizes the continuing trends away from capital punishment. You can help spread the word and participate in any or all of following:
SAVE THE DATES & GET INVOLVED
October 4 to 10: Join the Walk to Stop Executions, which was featured in the Portsmouth Daily Times earlier this week! Ohioans to Stop Executions is a partner in an awareness-raising action that really let’s you walk the talk. Starting October 4th at the prison in Lucasville where executions take place, we’ll be walking 83 miles to the Statehouse with the message that it is time to end the death penalty in Ohio. We know most people can’t take a week off to do this, but those who can are welcome, and everyone is invited to be part of the last couple of miles or just the final rally on Saturday, October 10 in Columbus.
Volunteers are sought to help with logistical support at the rally in Columbus on Oct. 10. Please e-mail abe@otse.org or call him at 561-371-5204 if you can help on Oct 10 in Columbus. Visit the Walk to Stop Executions web page to learn more about the Walk and to sign up!
October 10: As part of its annual gathering of exonerated death row survivors, Witness to Innocence is hosting a conference about the death penalty in Cleveland. This event was featured on Cleveland.com on Sunday, and more details about how you can participate are here.
LEGISLATIVE HEARINGS WILL BE SCHEDULED SOON. OTSE will announce these important opportunities to be with us at the Statehouse in Columbus. To learn more about SB 162, which will prohibit the execution of prisoners who were severely mentally ill at the time of their crime, visit the web page for the Ohio Alliance for the Mental Illness Exception and take action!
There’s more coming up. Many events are being scheduled as part of OTSE’s Faith Leader Initiative, so watch the calendar and stay tuned!
Yours in the Struggle,
Kevin Werner
Executive Director
PS: Friend, we appreciate your support and invite you to consider making a monthly commitment to the Action Fund through the sustainer program. Remember, since the Action Fund lobbies, contributions are not tax-deductible.