After nine years without an execution, my home state is moving forward to resume executions this Thursday, August 9, 2018.
This is a sad day for Tennessee.
Nothing will be gained, nor accomplished, by killing someone who killed someone.
Don’t get me wrong. The crime the condemned man did was horrible, horrendous, and even sadistic. He should never walk free again. But neither should he be executed. The condemned has a long history of mental illness that stretches back to childhood.
And before you say, “What about the victim?” I know her name as well. In fact, this past Sunday at church, during my pastoral communion prayer, I prayed for the victims family. I prayed for the condemned man and his family. I prayed for our State Supreme Court, and for our Governor, and for the guards and the warden. I prayed for all who are, and will be, involved, in what will take place Thursday evening at 7:00pm.
The condemned is out of appeals. The State Supreme Court has given the go ahead to kill. The Governor has said he will not intervene. The condemned has been moved from his cell to what they call “death watch.” The only way the execution will be halted is of the Federal Government stops it. A long shot at best.
My plan is to visit death row Friday, the morning after the execution. I would appreciate your prayers.
Floods of Justice 