Sponsored by the Cleveland Coalition Against the Death Penalty, and supported in part by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries, the rally included the unveiling of a new billboard at the intersection of E. 36 and Carnegie Avenue.

“Most religions opposed capital punishment. Do you want to cast the first stone?” reads the billboard.

Speaking to the group gathered at the billboard, Thomas reminded listeners that the UCC's General Synod - the main deliberative body of the denomination - has opposed the death penalty for some 40 years.

“The death penalty brings no solace, no reconciliation, brings no healing,” said Thomas.

In encouraging those attending the rally to continue their work, Jarmillo said, “All of the statistics tells us [that] the death penalty … is a racist act.”

“Friends,” said Thomas, “it's time to say no to the State of Ohio and to the United States; no, not in our name will you execute another prisoner.”

The Cleveland Coalition Against the Death Penalty is a diverse group of religious and secular organizations and individuals working to abolish the death penalty in Ohio and the United States. Members include, among others, the Commission of Catholic Community Action, Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Pax Christi USA, Amnesty International, Cleveland District of the Methodist Church, Presbytery of the Western Reserve, Northeast Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, National Lawyers Guild - Cleveland Branch, St. Paul's AME Church in Cleveland, UCC Western Reserve Association, and UCC Justice and Witness Ministries.