Jan. 4
TEXAS:
Some West Texans Join the Fight Against the Death Penalty Video Gallery
Some West Texans Join the Fight Against the Death Penalty
A state-wide movement against the death penalty is gaining momentum; a
small group of West Texans has officially joined the cause.
That group of West Texans held their 1st meeting of 2010 on Sunday and
they explained why they're against capital punishment.
They say they're pushing forgiveness and the chance to repent.
"We just feel like the death penalty is not simply a political issue it
really is a moral issue," Father Mark Miller, said. "We have grown to the
idea that some how killing is wrong but some how, we've justified it in
the hands of a state and what we're trying to say is that there is an
alternative to make sure the society is protected, but it also gives the
individual who does commit a violent crime to repent, have a change of
heart, and have a since of redemption."
About 20 people of various denominations are part of the Texas Coalition
to abolish the death penalty.
Odessa is the only chapter in West Texas and they say, as Christians, they
have to let go of the idea of an eye for an eye.
"The new testament never talks about an eye for an eye," Reverend Gene
Collins, said. "That principal is very archaic and has never been a part
of Christianity and when we look at the characteristics and the nature of
our leader Jesus Christ quite easy to see he would never endorse death
penalty, he forgave."
Living in a state known around the world for carrying out the most
executions, the group knows it's tackling a touchy subject.
But they stand by their belief, life without parole instead of death, is a
better punishment for both the state's pocket book and conscious.
"Most people never have to decide about this issue unless it touches
them," Collins said. "I think we all need to look in the mirror and come
to grips with our own feelings."
"Once you execute someone and then find out later they're innocent, it's a
little too late to correct the mistake," Miller said.
(source: NewsWest9)