| March 3, 2005
Dear Supporter of Death Penalty Abolition,
As you may know, though
a moratorium on the death penalty continues in Illinois,
prosecutors are still seeking the death penalty. A
new legislative committee to study death penalty reform
has just begun to meet. Thus, we remain at a critical
juncture in our struggle for abolition of the death
penalty in Illinois.
The Illinois Coalition
to Abolish the Death Penalty’s Religious Organizing
Committee had its first meeting of 2005 on Feb. 16th.
Though the meeting was full of ideas and insights
brought forth by committed members, we would greatly
benefit from your participation and the representation
of your faith communities. I invite you to join us
for our next meeting- scheduled for Tuesday, March
15th, 2005, from 4 to 5 P.M. Discussion from our last
meeting included:
-
The possibility of a joint statement
put forth by a variety of faith communities united
in their opposition to the injustices of the death
penalty. It was suggested that an advertisement
might be taken out in major newspapers to publicize
these communities’ opposition to the death penalty.
If such action were taken at the right time, it
could have a significant impact in our efforts
to promote our cause among legislators
in Springfield and catalyze further public dialogue.
-
Ways in which we might engage
and energize our faith communities to oppose the
death penalty.
-
Compiling individual faith communities’
statements on the death penalty.
-
Compiling an updated contact list
of all Illinois religious organizations that are
likely to support the abolition of the death penalty.
-
Preparing for our Lobby Day in
Springfield, which is scheduled for April 13,
2005. To make this day effective, we need the
support of as many religious communities as possible.
-
Bringing representatives of a
variety of faiths onboard with the Religious Organizing
Committee.
We hope that you will be
able to attend future meetings. If you are unable
to attend, however, there are a variety of ways in
which you can participate in our activities. As mentioned,
we are compiling statements by faith communities in
opposition to capital punishment. Any statements you
can provide us with would be of great help. Please
e-mail them to info@icadp.org
or mail them to:
Illinois
Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty
180 N. Michigan Ave.
Suite 2300
Chicago, IL 60601
Also
consider attending one of the events listed below.
We thank you for your support and hope to see you
at the Coalition’s office on Tuesday, March 15th at
4 P.M. I look forward to your participation in the
important work we have before us.
Upcoming Events Around Illinois
The following is a listing
up upcoming anti-death penalty events of interest
around the state. If you have an event to share with
Illinois abolitionists, please e-mail us at info@icadp.org.
March 14 and 16: Loyola University presents "Barred
for Life'', David J. Popalisky's original dance/performance
work illuminating the human experience of the wrongfully
convicted. Performances will take place at the Kathleen
Mullady Theatre. For more information, call (773)
508-3847. March 11-31, 2005: Las Manos Gallery 5220
N. Clark. Zolo Azania and Renaldo Hudson are two talented
artists. They are connected by the experience of sitting
on death row: Zolo in Indiana, Renaldo in Illinois.
During their struggle for their lives from behind
bars, they have both developed into accomplished artists.
On display will be a variety of oil paintings by both
artists, as well as art by other prisoners on death
row.
Opening: March 11, 7pm. Join us for
an informal reception to celebrate the artists and
their work.
Hope Breathing Life
Panel Discussion: March 18, 7pm. A gathering of friends
of the artists and foes of the death penalty.
"Too Flawed to Fix,"
Video showing and discussion: March 26, 2pm. A presentation
of the documentary "Too Flawed to Fix" and discussion
of current strategies to abolish the Death Penalty
in Illinois.
For more information: www.zoloazania.org
For Gallery Hours call Las Manos: 773-728-8910
Sponsored by No Death
Penalty for Zolo Committee, Illinois Coalition to
Abolish the Death Penalty, and Campaign to End the
Death Penalty April 12: A Dead Man Walking Vigil will
be held at Loyola University's Madonna Della Strada
Chapel. Time to be announced. University Ministry
will sponsor a vigil to remember victims of the death
penalty and raise awareness for issues surrounding
it. April 13: ICADP Executive Director Jane Bohman
and exonerated death row inmate Gary Gauger will speak
at Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self-Defense Center
as a part of their Facing Conflict/Making Peace: Meditations
on Activism series. For more information, please call
773-472-7663 or check the website: www.thousandwaves.org
October 27-30: The National Coalition to Abolish the
Death Penalty - Annual Conference in Austin, Texas.
Visit the www.ncadp.org for information as it becomes
available.
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