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.
Jeff Hood on Capital Punishment
In episode 90 of Dangerous Dogma, Jeff Hood, author of The Execution of God, talks about his advocacy against the death penalty. He also discusses his ministry to people on death row, including last month as he stood in a death chamber as Oklahoma executed Scott
Unsettling Ash Wednesdays
This issue of A Public Witness reports on three unconventional Ash Wednesday services focused on environmentalism, death penalty abolition, and slavery reparations. Each one serves as a glimpse into how this season of spiritual reflection can inspire public action.
Religious Leaders Fight Bill to Reinstate Iowa Death Penalty
Religious leaders with the Iowa Catholic Conference, Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, and United Church of Christ of Iowa, argued the death penalty is immoral in all circumstances and underlined that we can deter and prevent horrific crimes without ending a person’s