Leadership Team Addresses Impending Execution of Georgia Inmate
2/22/2015
The North Georgia Conference Leadership Ministry Team, which oversees Conference-level advocacy ministries, has written a call to action message in response to the pending execution of the only woman facing the death penalty in Georgia. Below is also a link to a bulletin insert explaining the United Methodist stance on the death penalty.
United Methodists Believe in The Sanctity of Created Life
Jesus said he came for the sick not the healthy. He dined with sinners not church leaders. So who’s ‘special’? Our Book of Discipline says God made "every creature" special. More importantly, we believe as United Methodist in "the sanctity of that created life". Not some life, not certain ethnic life, not religiously protected life but all life. This denomination called The United Methodist Church believes in the sacred worth of all life. It says so in our Book of Discipline
Soon a precious life will be put to death. Her name is Kelly Renee Gissendaner, age 46. She was scheduled to be executed Wednesday, February 25, but the execution has been rescheduled for Monday, March 2.
Her story is out for all to read. Here is what you need to know: she is a creation of a loving God.
She made imperfect choices and now is to be put to death. We United Methodists believe that all life is precious, we believe in the forgiveness of sins, we believe in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. We believe in God's amazing grace. As United Methodists, we have an obligation to bear a faithful Christian witness to Jesus Christ, the living reality at the center of the Church's life and witness (2012 Book of Discipline, p.80).
So who among you want to throw the first stone?
Call today and voice your belief in clemency for Kelly Renee Gissendaner , 405001: Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles at 404-656-4661.
Submitted by:
Rev. Dawn L. Britt
Peace with Justice Coordinator for the North Georgia Conference
On behalf of the Leadership Ministry Team
DOWNLOAD: Our Social Principles on the Death Penalty
Editor's Note: Updated Feb. 25
Candler School of Theology students organized a prayer vigil for Kelly Gissendaner on February 25. Many in the Candler community have worked with Gissendaner as part of the Certificate in Theological Studies Program at the prison. Gissendaner earned her certificate in 2011.
Peace with Justice Coordinator for the North Georgia Conference
On behalf of the Leadership Ministry Team
DOWNLOAD: Our Social Principles on the Death Penalty
Editor's Note: Updated Feb. 25
Candler School of Theology students organized a prayer vigil for Kelly Gissendaner on February 25. Many in the Candler community have worked with Gissendaner as part of the Certificate in Theological Studies Program at the prison. Gissendaner earned her certificate in 2011.