Faith leaders urge state to repeal death penalty

TOWSON (AP) - Leaders of many faiths urged Maryland lawmakers yesterday to repeal the death penalty in the upcoming state legislative session, saying they share a common belief in the sanctity of life.

A Catholic bishop, a rabbi, an imam and several Protestant ministers were among those who signed a letter to Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley stating "it has been proven that the death penalty is not applied justly, is cruel in its application, and is not an effective deterrent."

"As people of God, it is clear to us that the practice of applying death as a penalty in our society is both immoral and...