Social worker Sophie Day writes that this Advent, she has not had the luxury of looking away from the hurt in this world as an execution date looms for another one of her clients on the Tenth Day of Christmas. In her work, but especially
The capital punishment system is often implemented and supported by those who currently celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. So in this issue of A Public Witness, we look at the state of the death penalty in the United States and introduce you
The Supreme Court said Thursday that states must grant the wishes of death row inmates who want to have their pastors pray aloud and even touch them during their executions.
In day 23 of our Unsettling Advent devotional series, Sophie Day reflects on the message of Advent in light of her work to tell the stories of individuals who have been sentenced to death and are in their last stages of appeals.
Conservative Supreme Court justices expressed skepticism Tuesday about a Texas death row inmate’s demand that his pastor be allowed to pray out loud and touch him during his execution.
After Sister Barbara Battista, a Roman Catholic nun staunchly opposed to the death penalty, agreed to accompany a condemned man at his execution in federal prison, she wondered doubtfully, “Am I just part of this whole killing machine?”
A Texas death row inmate won a reprieve Wednesday (Sept. 8) evening from execution for killing a convenience store worker during a 2004 robbery that garnered $1.25 after claiming the state was violating his religious freedom by not letting his pastor lay hands on him
Q&A with SBC minister Dana Moore on the power of prayer in a state death chamber. Read full piece
A Texas death-row inmate has sued state prison officials to allow his pastor to lay hands on him as he dies from a lethal injection. John Henry Ramirez, 37, is scheduled to be put to death in the Texas death chamber on Sept. 8.
The Bible continues to be used to boost support for the state killing people. In this issue of A Public Witness, we look at the state of the death penalty in the U.S. today, and the role of Christians in keeping it alive.