Connecting legislation with spirituality and supporters with tangible social justice actions propelled death penalty opponents to victory in Virginia, two organizers of the movement said during a March 29 Baptist News Global webinar. LaKeisha Cook and Roberta Oster of the…
It’s official now: Death penalty no more in Virginia
Virginia became the first Southern state to eliminate the death penalty on March 24, and faith-based groups were among those credited with leading the campaign for abolition. Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam signed legislation abolishing the state’s use of capital punishment…
Next BNG webinar unpacks successful faith-based drive to end death penalty in Virginia
A look behind the scenes at how the faith community helped navigate passage of Virginia’s historic repeal of the death penalty will be the topic of Baptist News Global’s next free webinar. The March 29 webinar will feature a discussion…
Final vote sounds the death knell for capital punishment in Virginia
Legislation abolishing Virginia’s death penalty received final approval from legislators Feb. 22 and is on its way to Gov. Ralph Northam, who has pledged to sign it. When he does, the Commonwealth will become the 23rd state to end capital…
Effort to end death penalty in Virginia gaining momentum; prayer vigils planned
Organizers of a faith-based campaign to abolish the death penalty in Virginia say current signs of favorable legislative momentum are due, at least in part, to pressure being applied by churches and other religious communities. And their hope is that…