Marianist brother protests death penalty with fast at Supreme Court

Published: 2004-07-01

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Just as "Mary stood at the cross as Christ was killed in a state-sanctioned execution," Brother Brian Halderman said he was at the Supreme Court to stand with those on death row who face what he feels is a violent and unjust death. "The death penalty creates more victims," said the Marianist brother June 30, after he had begun a four-day fast in front of the court to protest the death penalty. Brother Halderman, along with about 30 other abolitionists, began the annual fast and vigil, "Starvin' for Justice '04," with songs, prayer and sharing of stories at midnight June 29. The abolitionists carried large signs with quotes from former Supreme Court justices, and handed out educational pamphlets. They also were selling ball caps and T-shirts and talking with hundreds of Washington residents and tourists as they passed by the Supreme Court. Brother Halderman spent most of his time handing out abolitionist literature and talking to passers-by. He said he was "asking people, 'Hey, look at this for yourself,'" because he thinks too often news accounts present a sterilized version of executions.

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