Unitarian Universalists for Alternatives to the Death Penalty
Resources for People Seeking an Alternative to the Death Penalty
The Unitarian Universalists for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (UUADP) is honored to share messages that communicate the need for alternatives to capital punishment. Our resources include:
- Books, essays, plays, and statements to share
An arsenal of words to reinforce allies and to persuade the unconvinced - Sermons
Wisdom preached at Unitarian Universalist sanctuaries and assemblies. - Videos
Available from UUADP's free lending library
Books, essays, plays, and cogent arguments
Declaration of Life
Statement of your request that the death penalty not be imposed, should you die as a result of a violent crime.
More »
Frontiers of Justice, Volume 1: The Death Penalty
Seven years ago, my uncle was murdered. My uncle's killer is still alive, serving a life sentence. I thank God that the brutal, irrational crime that ended my uncle's life did not result in another senseless killing.
— Julie Zimmerman
Julie Zimmerman is the editor of Biddle Press, and wrote this as a foreword to this book which deserves an honored place on the bookshelves of abolitionists everywhere. It is a fine collection of essays examining the death penalty issue from many points of view.
To order contact:
Biddle Publishing Company
PO Box 1305 #103
Brunswick, ME 04011
207.833.5016
The Executioners
A play in one act by Ellen H. Showell.
More »
Ideas for Your Skeptical Friends
A reasoned challenge to those who continue to support capital punishment.
Kill the Death Penalty
ADDED NOVEMBER, 2011
Letter to the Editor by Rev. Dave Hunter of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Greater Cumberland
(pdf file)
Moratorium Information
View or print a sample moratorium
Groups that have adopted a moratorium
The Rev. Cathy Harrington
San Francisco Chronicle interview with Rev. Harrington about her plans to speak at the sentencing of her daughter's murderer and Rev. Harrington's sentencing statement. (pdf file)
"The Power of Restorative Justice" The lead article in the Summer, 2009 edition of Raising Our Voices, the publication of Murder Victim's Families for Reconciliation. (pdf file)
An essay by Rev. Harrington about her daughter's death published at Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation.
"Tonight" by Jason Guard
Essay written following after the August 20, 1998 execution of Lance Chandler in Virginia.
"Why I Come to This Church"
Talk by Tim Stanton, First Unitarian Church, Richmond, Virginia on Sunday, October 11, 1998, which was Amnesty International's Faith in Action on the Death Penalty Day.
Videos
The videos listed below are great for your workshop, Religious Education course, or chapter meeting. We'll send the video postage paid, you return it postage paid!
"Pros and Cons": CourtTV, October 11, 2000
Coverage of the Bobby Lee Ramdass execution in Virginia, it mainly deals with the CourtTV correspondent who witnessed the execution. Also, there is a debate on the topic of televising executions between California Death Penalty Focus president Mike Farrell and "Toughest Sheriff in America" Gerald Hege. Not classic television. 17 minutes.
Oprah Winfrey Show - "Wrongfully Convicted"
Kirk Bloodsworth, Dennis Williams and Gary Gauger tell their stories, and Larry Marshall of the Northwestern Law School details his efforts towards exoneration. Former Florida Supreme Court Justice Gerald Kogen tells of his conversion to abolitionist, and lawyer Bryan Stevenson is profiled. 42 minutes.
"Nightline" - A Week on the Death Penalty
Four evenings of programs: 1) Marcus Presley's case from Alabama (Bryan Stevenson representing him). 2) Prosecutors - comparing and contrasting prosecutors who do and do not seek the death penalty. 3) Governors - a contrast between Illinois' George Ryan and Virginia's Jim Gilmore. 4) A look at Texas' appeal system and the effectiveness of counsel. 87 minutes.
"Conversation with Sister Helen Prejean"
Stephen Bright, Director of the Southern Center for Human Rights, talks with Sr. Helen. 60 minutes.
Frontline - "Angel on Death Row"
A documentary on the life and work of Sr. Helen Prejean.
"Virginia Currents" - The Death Penalty
An excellent documentary by the Richmond, Virginia PBS station. Footage includes coverage of vigil outside prison, featuring Journey of Hope founder Bill Pelke; interviews with MVFR member Nancy Gowen and Sr. Helen Prejean; and an very telling debate between a prosecutor and a defense attorney. 28 minutes.
Wrongfully Convicted - How the Innocent Are Sent to Death Row
A symposium at Michigan State from September, 1999. Michael Radelet moderates, and wrongfully convicted men Gary Gauger, Buzz Fay and Joseph "Shabaka" Brown tell their unbelievable stories. 126 minutes.
Sermons
Service by the Rev. Alison Cornish
Service conducted at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Bellport.
- How Justice is Served (PDF). October 23, 2005
Sermon by the Rev. Natalie Fenimore
Service conducted at the Davies Memorial UU Church, Camp Springs, MD
- The Death Penalty (mp3 audio).
Two sermons by Rev. Nana Kratochvil
Rev. Kratochvil is minister at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan, and a murder victim family member.
- It's Been a Bumpy Road, July, 2007
- Forgiving the Unforgivable, August, 2007
Service by Rev. Dave Hunter
Rev. Dave Hunter is from the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Greater Cumberland
- Justice, An Elusive Goal. February 12, 2006
Sermon by Jayson Lydon
- A Fate Worse Than Death (pdf)
Sermon by Jean Rabenold
Jean is a member of the Palomar Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and is a member of the Board of the Unitarian Universalists for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.
- The Death Penalty: Unpatriotic? January, 2010
Sermon by Rev. Carol S. Rudisill
Rev Rudisill preached at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada where she was the Interim Minister
Why Do We Kill People? October 15, 2006
Two sermons by Robert P. Tucker, Ph.D.
Rev. Dr. Tucker is the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lakeland, Florida
- Therefore Be It Resolved...
Argues for abolition of the death penalty on the basis of civil and religious facts - An Eye for an Eye
Argues against capital punishment using biblical exegesis, historical memory, and an unexpected personal anecdote
Sermon by Rev. Nate Walker
A sermon offered by Reverend Nate Walker on behalf of the Joseph Priestley District of the Unitarian Universalist Association at the General Assembly in Salt Lake City, Utah.
- A Letter to My Murderer (PDF). June 27, 2009
Service by Rev. Judy Welles
A service offered at the Unitarian Universalists of the Cumerland Valley.
- Therefore Choose Life. January 16, 2000