Unsettling Advent 2023, Day 1
Brian Kaylor reflects on state executions during Christmastime and the modern parallels with a biblical character we often leave out of our nativity sets and pageants.
The Return of Unsettling Advent
We’re excited to announce that Unsettling Advent is coming back again with new themes. Once again, we’ve assembled a fantastic group of writers to help us all consider Advent in light of issues from the news this year: state executions, political anxieties, and bloodshed in
Religious Leaders Gather in Louisiana for World Day Against the Death Penalty
To commemorate World Day Against the Death Penalty on Tuesday, a number of prominent religious leaders gathered in front of the Louisiana governor's mansion in Baton Rouge to urge clemency hearings for 55 people on the state's death row.
Vatican, Other Faith Leaders Join in Push for End of Death Penalty in Louisiana
‘We think that the clearing of Louisiana’s death row would be a monumental step towards the abolition of the death penalty,’ Vatican agency head said.
Death on the Campaign Trail
In the wake of the first Republican presidential primary debate, today's issue of A Public Witness takes a look at former and current politicians who believe the path to the Oval Office runs through the death chamber.
Missouri Set to Execute Man Suffering From Severe Mental Illness
Missouri plans to execute Johnny Johnson on August 1, a man so severely mentally ill that he believes Satan is using the state of Missouri to kill him and bring about the end of the world.
Ministers Reflect on Praying in Death Chambers
Four ministers who have been in a death chamber in recent months during state executions shared their experiences Saturday during the annual meeting of Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty.
Ted Cruz Criticizes Baptist Pastor for Defense of Executing Gays
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz publicly criticized fellow prominent Southern Baptist Tom Ascol for defending legislation that imposes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.”
Uganda’s President Signs Into Law Anti-Gay Legislation With Death Penalty in Some Cases
LGBTQ+ rights campaigners say the new legislation is unnecessary in a country where homosexuality has long been illegal under a colonial-era law.
Clergy Urge Oklahoma to Save Life of Man Who’s Had 3 ‘Last Meals’ on Death Row
On Thursday, a diverse group of clergy spoke at a press conference at the Oklahoma Capitol to urge a stop to the planned execution of Richard Glossip.