The Board of Nebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty has announced that Rev. Stephen Griffith will become Executive Director of the organization. Rev. Griffith, a life-long Nebraskan, has served United Methodist congregations in Hardy, Bertrand, Loomis, Lexington, Osceola, Omaha, and Lincoln. His ministerial career concluded in June after 13 years serving Saint Paul United Methodist in downtown Lincoln.
“The voices of faith leaders have been important as Nebraskans realize that the death penalty is a broken system that fails to provide justice,” said Nebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty Board President Laurel Johnson. “Since 1981, it has been NADP’s mission to have a conversation with all Nebraskans about this failed experiment. We are thrilled that Rev. Griffith will be talking to Nebraskans about why alternatives to the death penalty make the most sense for taxpayers and for public safety as well as about the broad support of death penalty alternatives from faith leaders.”
“It was 32 years ago that I first spoke publicly about the sacredness of all life and the ineffectiveness of the death penalty,” said Rev. Griffith. “I may have retired from the pulpit, but my lifelong work is to carry a message of compassion and hope. While my support of death penalty alternatives comes from my faith and belief that God can work in the life of every person, I’m excited to join with other Nebraskans who oppose the death penalty for many reasons: faith, the waste of taxpayer dollars and the harm it does to victims’ families. In many roles I’ve brought together and leaders from business, health care, education, human service organizations, neighborhoods, state, city and county government. I believe most Nebraskans already understand that Nebraska’s death penalty is unworkable. I’m excited to continue the conversation about smart alternatives that NADP has been having for over three decades.”