Jefferson City -- A coalition consisting mainly of death penalty critics called for a moratorium on Missouri executions Wednesday in order to study the current system.

The resolution, in condemning the state's execution system, states the system has been used capriciously against the poor, minorities and those with bad lawyers. The proposed study of Missouri's execution system would focus on the cost of using the death penalty and ways to ensure it is used fairly.

The group, called Moratorium Now!, has gathered support from roughly 300 churches, businesses and private organizations. It plans to deliver a petition pushing for the death penalty moratorium to Gov.-elect Jay Nixon and legislative leaders.