As many of you know it is my personal conviction that the death penalty is a violation of human rights. Recent DNA evidence has made this issue even more clear. The execution the innocent is a horrific demonstration of the need to rethink our society’s view of the matter. The cross of Jesus has had immense power over the centuries for this very reason. All too often, the wrong people get executed for the wrong reasons. (ELCA Social Statement on the Death Penalty: http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Social-Issues/Social-Statements/Death-Penalty.aspx)
I have accepted an invitation by The Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, to be a panelist on Janunary 18th. You are invited to the Hobby Center for Dead Man Walking. The panel conversation will include Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking. Religious leaders from throughout Houston will also participate: Cardinal Dinardo, Methodist Bishop Janice Huie, General Presbyter Mike Cole, Pastor Harvey Clemens and others. Space is limited, so RSVP soon if you’re interested in participating. Attached is the event flyer. RSVP at 512-441-1808 or info@tcadp.org
The Religious Leaders Dialogue is at the Hobby Center’s Zilkha Hall on January 18 at 7:30 pm is an unprecedented event. The program will include an aria accompanied by Dead Man Walking Opera composer Jake
Heggie. According to the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, “We hope that this is a seminal event for discussions surrounding the death penalty. It is a topic that should be discussed in the context of our lives of faith in order for healing and reconciliation to take root.”
Bishop Michael Rinehart 