RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – The North Carolina Council of Churches and our 19 member denominations stand with Governor Roy Cooper who has commuted 15 death sentences to prison terms. The Governor’s decision to prevent executions recognizes a growing consensus among North Carolina’s people of faith that the death penalty is immoral, racist, and contrary to our beliefs in redemption and justice.
“We know Governor Cooper is a person of faith and we commend him for reflecting deeply on our request that he use his power to ensure that unjust executions are never carried out,” said the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, Executive Director of the North Carolina Council of Churches. “The Governor’s action is a positive step for North Carolina. We look forward to the day when no one remains on death row and the death penalty is stricken from our state’s law books.”
The North Carolina Council of Churches was part of a coalition of civil rights organizations that asked Cooper to consider commuting the sentences of all 136 people on death row. A founding member of the North Carolina Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, in 2023 the Council worked with the Coalition to recruit over 300 leaders from every major faith tradition to sign a letter supporting the commutation campaign. (Read the letter here.)
The Council of Churches made its first policy statement opposing the death penalty in 1970, citing its disproportionate use against people of color. Executions run counter to the Christian principles of compassion and mercy, as well as our belief in the capacity of every human being for redemption. North Carolina’s death penalty cases also continue to be rife with racial and wealth bias, in addition to questions of innocence and proportionality.
“We represent thousands of faithful North Carolinians who no longer want to see executions carried out in their names,” Dr. Copeland said. “Together, we support all efforts that move our state toward a future without the darkness of the death penalty.”
###
Founded in 1935, the North Carolina Council of Churches enables denominations, congregations, and people of faith to impact our state on issues such as racial equity, farmworker rights, environment, LGBTQ+ rights, economic justice and development, human well-being, equality, compassion and peace, following the example and mission of Jesus Christ. The Council is made of 26 distinct judicatories from 18 denominations. Across the state, our members have over 6,200 congregations. For more information about the Council’s 85-year history, visit www.ncchurches.org. To stay up to date on progressive, faith-based news, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Contact Person
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland
Executive Director
North Carolina Council of Churches
jennifer@ncchurches.org
(919) 828-6501 Ext. 101
