A Few Steps We Can Take As Leaders and With Our Communities…
- As individuals and/or on behalf of congregations, you are invited to add your name to the Faith Leader Sign-on Letter in support of legislation implementing reforms to the death penalty as recommended by the Supreme Court Joint Task Force on the Administration of Ohio’s Death Penalty. The sign-on letter is here.
- Urge any other faith leaders you know who live or work in Ohio to also add their names as soon as possible. Click here to download the letter to share hard copies or send your colleagues here to sign the letter online.
- Add a prayer for an end to the Death Penalty in Ohio and across the United States whenever appropriate, including in daily and weekly services.
- As individuals and/or on behalf of congregations, write a personal letter to your state legislators in support of reform legislation.
- Designate a point person to lead a small committee which will work with you in your community to push forward activities to advance the education and mobilization of local citizenry, including those in your faith community as well as those in the broader public with which you engage. Contact OTSE for resources and assistance at info@otse.org .
- Give a sermon on the issue (watch OTSE Board Member Rev. Dr. Mendle Adams offer a sermon)
- Publish the Faith Leader Sign-On Letter in your newsletter or bulletin
- Host internal study/discussion meetings to help educate your members
- Host and/or collaborate with others in organizing public educational events
- Provide regular opportunities for members to communicate with their legislators
- Participate in other campaign activities as appropriate. Details are regularly updated at otse.org
- Develop a response team for when homicide occurs in your community. Also, as a faith community, work to ensure support for a non-profit agency in your area which provides assistance to the families of homicide victims.