Full Legislative History
Resolution Number: 2015-D025
Title: Abolish the Death Penalty
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred as Amended
Final Text:

Resolved, That the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church reaffirm its longstanding call to put an end to the death penalty in recognition that the death penalty remains legal in thirty-one states and in federal jurisdictions with over 3,000 persons awaiting execution; and that the death penalty is disproportionately applied to the poor and to minorities and is in direct opposition to the witness of Jesus; and be it further

Resolved, That this resolution be forwarded to governors in all states where the death penalty is legal, encouraging them to submit and support legislation in their respective states to abolish the death penalty; and be it further

Resolved, That this resolution be forwarded to the bishops in all states where the death penalty is legal, encouraging them to appoint task forces of clergy and lay persons to develop a witness to eliminate the death penalty, and requesting that these bishops report back on their actions to the Standing Commission on Justice and Public Policy prior to the 79th General Convention.

Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Salt Lake City, 2015 (New York: General Convention, 2015), p. 304.