Clergy applaud Gov. Kitzhaber's death penalty freeze

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon commends Governor Kitzhaber for execution stay
By Oregon Ecumenical Minsitries

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon (EMO) joins people of faith and conscience across Oregon in thanking Governor Kitzhaber for staying the execution of Gary Haugen. The complexity, expense, inconsistent application and profound moral ambiguity of the death penalty system in Oregon demands intelligent and courageous leadership in response. Governor Kitzhaber has shown this leadership.

“Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon has consistently called for an end to capital punishment, a practice that does not deter crime or bring closure, but diminishes us as a people and a civilization,” said EMO Executive Director David Leslie.

“As we commend the Governor’s brave decision, we join the call for a renewed conversation on this enormously important issue for our state,” Leslie stated. “Let us bring together all sectors of society and people of good conscience on all sides of the issue, for discussion that involves Oregon in a true and deep examination of the death penalty and its place in our state.”

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon has consistently called for an end to capital punishment, a practice that does not deter crime or bring closure, but diminishes us as a people and a civilization.

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon is a statewide association of Christian denominations—including Protestant, Roman Catholic and Orthodox bodies—congregations, ecumenical organizations and interfaith partners working together to improve the lives of Oregonians through community ministry programs, ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, environmental ministry and public policy advocacy.

CONTACT: David Leslie, EMO Executive Director


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