“The continued use of capital punishment is wasteful, arbitrary, and always carries the possibility of execution of an innocent person. It’s time that Ohio invests in an alternative. That is why I have once again introduced legislation (SB 94) that would replace the death penalty with life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.”
Ohio bishops: Replace death penalty with mercy, conversion
Catholic leaders in Ohio stressed the need to replace the death penalty with mercy and spiritual conversion, following the execution of convicted child murderer Ronald Phillips.
Death penalty opponents hold vigil at Statehouse as Ohio executes inmate
Faith leaders and concerned citizens with the group Ohioans to Stop Executions (OTSE) gathered outside the Statehouse on Wednesday as Ronald Phillips was being executed. “We’re here because this is a terrible day for Ohio,” said Rev. Gary Witte. “We don’t need the death penalty in Ohio. It makes us all party to a killing.