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By Sandra Ferguson

As Maryland's legislative session draws to a close, I am more convinced of one thing - United Methodists have a heart for justice.

During the past two months I've proudly witnessed United Methodists throughout the state advocating for health care, for education and for the poor and marginalized. But I have truly been impressed by the way United Methodists have taken a stand for repealing the death penalty.

I won't rehash the debate for and against capital punishment that we've all heard in the past months. Suffice it to say, that in faith, I believe that God grants each and every person a sacred worth. Christ holds the power to restore and transform. For those secure in the belief of restorative, rather than retributive justice, the death penalty must be abolished.

This witness to power and promise of true and abiding justice was made plain as United Methodists preached, lobbied, marched and struggled to repeal what is, essentially, an irrevocable form of cruel and unusual punishment.

Several outstanding leaders, like the Rev. Nancy Webb of Grace UMC in Baltimore and Bill Medford of the General Board of Church and Society, really stand out as crusaders in this struggle. I am especially appreciative of Beth Reilly, who works for Maryland Citizens Against State Executions (CASE). Her tireless ministry spotlights what is possible when the church works in strategic partnerships with other groups.

Beth tirelessly spoke truth to power and proclaimed that because innocent people are sentenced to death and because there is documented racial and geographical bias, everyone should question the death penalty.

While the state Senate did not vote to repeal capital punishment, it did create statutes that are among the strictest in the nation.

The new requirements - if they become law - would mean that the death penalty could be applied only in murder cases in which there is DNA evidence, a video recording of the defendant committing the crime, or a voluntary videotaped confession.

As I write this, I'm not certain what will unfold when the House of Delegates Judiciary Committee considers this issue March 17.

The Senate's vote was not complete victory, but it does move us further down justice's road.

I admire those who fought and are continuing to fight for this issue. They know that piece by piece hope is built; that drop by drop right is ensured, and little by little justice is made manifest.

Whenever I get reflective about the death penalty, my mind goes to Kirk Bloodsworth, who in 1985 was convicted of rape and murder and sent to Maryland's death row. In 1993, DNA testing proved he was innocent.

Bloodsworth is one of 127 people in the United States who have been released from death rows after being found innocent of the crimes for which they were convicted.

It is for people like him that we all labor. The death penalty must end in Maryland. If we call ourselves children of God, we must work to see that happen. I rejoice in those who worked so hard this legislative season.

Their actions, courage, commitment and compassion are things we might all emulate. It is, after all, a matter of life and death. In this arena, justice speaks for life.

SandraFerguson is director of conference justice ministries and missions.