OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – A multi-faith prayer service is set as participants are urging a halt to executions.

Numerous Oklahoma faith-based organizations and communities will hold a vigil to pray for a halt to executions in Oklahoma at The Lazarus Community at Clark United Methodist Church today at 7 p.m.

The service will take place adjacent to the  25 crosses installed along Northwest 23rd Street last summer, shortly after 25 execution dates were set in Oklahoma. 

“Each cross reminds us of the humanity connected to each scheduled execution, including the prisoner, his victim(s), and everyone impacted in the aftermath of murder,” said Rev. Bo Ireland, Pastor at Clark United Methodist Church. “The death penalty system is clearly broken. We can do better for all murder victim families and hold accountable those who have committed horrible crimes, without executions.”

Participating organizations include:

  • Catholic Conference of Oklahoma
  • Clergy United Against the Death Penalty
  • Death Penalty Action
  • EJUSA Evangelical Network
  • First AME Church of Oklahoma City
  • Faith Leaders of Color Coalition to End the Death Penalty
  • Hue-manity Global Faith Initiative
  • Journey of Hope …From Violence to Healing
  • The Lazarus Community
  • Oklahoma Faith Network
  • Oklahomans for Grace
  • Red Letter Christians

Officials say all are welcome.