aaa
ae SEEKING JUSTICE
b=—__|WORKING THROUGH EDUCATION AND ACTION
TEXAS COALITION TO ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY
SUMMER 2009
EP aes Texas Death Penalty News and Alerts
Inside This Issue:
From the Executive
Director
Statewide Conference
Call
Legislative Update
New Report on Mental
Illness
Chapter News
Event Spotlight
Jesus on Death Row
Impending
Executions
20 David Wood
September
16 Stephen Moody
22 Christopher Coleman
24 Kenneth Mosley
30 John Balentine
Execution Vigils:
http://www.tcadp.org/
index.php?page=vigils
Statewide Conference Calls
Now you can hop on the phone with TCADP members and supporters around the state
who are working to end the death penalty in Texas. TCADP is hosting quarterly
conference calls that will focus on particular aspects of the issue and provide a forum for
sharing ideas. See page 3 for information on the next call and how you can participate.
Legislative Update
The 81st Legislative Session ended on June 1, 2009. Find out what happened to the
bills TCADP followed during the session, read an evaluation of TCADP’s work at the
Texas legislature, and check out a national update on page 4.
New Report on Murder, Mental Illness, and the Death Penalty
Double Tragedies: Victims Speak Out Against the Death Penalty for People with Severe
Mental Iliness is a new publication from Murder Victims' Families for Human Rights and the
National Alliance on Mental Illness. This groundbreaking report brings together the many
victims of the failing mental health and criminal justice systems and looks for proactive
solutions. Learn more about Double Tragedies and how to obtain copies on page 5.
Chapter News
TCADP is excited to be working with new chapters in Waco, The Woodlands, and
Odessa. Learn about some of their efforts and see pictures of multiple events hosted by
TCADP chapters over the last few months on pages 6 and 7.
Jesus on Death Row
Jesus on Death Row, written by Mark Osler, a Baylor University Law Professor,
compares the Jewish and Roman society that convicted Jesus with the modern
American society that continues to pursue the use of the death penalty as the ultimate
punishment. See page 9 for more about this intriguing book.
Does your faith community or ci
ic group have an annual meeting or conference?
TCADP has been hitting the streets, attending and exhibiting at multiple conferences and
meetings around Texas to gather direct support from Texans! Do you know of meetings or
conferences where TCADP should have a presence? See page 8 to learn where TCADP has
been and how to help the organization find additional opportunities for expanding its presence
in Texas.
Dallas Morning News Launches Death Penalty Blog
The new blog includes news from Dallas Morning News reporters as well as commentary
from members of the editorial board. Read and respond to the blog at
deathpenaltyblog.dallasnews.com.
Ea are
Page 2, Summer 2009
From the Executive Director
This spring, TCADP, Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation, and the
Catholic Mobilizing Network to End the Death Penalty jointly sponsored an exhibit at the Second
) National Conference on Restorative Justice, which took place May 13-15, 2009 in San Antonio, Texas.
The conference provided our organizations with the opportunity to interact with nearly 300 attendees
and practitioners from all over the world and to share information about our work against the death
penalty. On a personal level, the conference greatly enriched my understanding of restorative justice,
- which one presenter defined as “a theory of justice that emphasizes repairing the harm caused or re-
vealed by criminal behavior.” This philosophy of justice, which is best accomplished through cooperative processes that
include all stakeholders, aims to move...
e From punishment to reconciliation;
e From vengeance to healing for victims; and
e From hostility and negativity to redemption, healing, forgiveness, and mercy.
Restorative justice also has these underlying principles:
e Justice requires that we work to restore those who have been injured: victims, communities, and offenders.
e Those most directly involved and affected by crime — victims, offenders, and the community — should have the op-
portunity to participate as fully in the response as they wish.
e While government is responsible for preserving a just public order, the community's role in establishing a just peace
must be given special significance.
Restorative justice often takes the shape of victim-offender mediation programs, impact panels, or circle strategies. It
can be used in prisons to develop an awareness of and empathy for victims and to help an offender establish or reestab-
lish meaningful relationships within the community.
Clearly the death penalty is the antithesis of restorative justice. Yet those of us in the abolition movement can and
should work to restore those who have been injured by violent crime. Earlier this summer, the National Coalition to
Abolish the Death Penalty (NCADP) launched Rachel’s Fund, a national campaign aimed at providing direct support to
the families of violent crime victims and the families of death row inmates, as well as ongoing support for criminal jus-
tice reform efforts. The Rachel’s Fund campaign recognizes the continuing need to broaden the base for abolition work
and break the cycle of violence in our society. Rachel's Fund is named for, and inspired by, the life and work of the late
abolitionist and activist Rachel King and by thousands of families of murder victims.
From September through November, TCADP will participate in the Race to Heal Initiative, an online fundraising drive
that is part of the Rachel's Fund campaign. Through this initiative, TCADP members and supporters will be able to share
personal stories about their work against the death penalty and encourage their friends and family members to contrib-
ute funds toward TCADP’s outreach programs. The
initiative also will lay the foundation for TCADP’s efforts to
build bridges to communities that have been impacted by
violence. More details about the Race to Heal Initiative
will be available later this summer.
SEEKING JUSTICE IN TEXAS
Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty
2709 S. Lamar, Blvd, Suite 109
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 441-1808, www.tcadp.org
STOP
Executions|}
Thank you all for the role you play in embracing the prin-
ciples of restorative justice and helping to create a society
that moves from punishment to reconciliation and from
vengeance to healing.
In solidarity,
Kadi Hoag
Newsletter Editor: Vicki McCuistion, info@tcadp.org
Issue #26, Summer 2009 (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall)
Send your name, address, and phone number with your
annual membership dues to the TCADP office to receive
quarterly newsletters. All donations are tax-deductible.
Thank you! If you are already a member
and would like to receive the TCADP C CONMUNITY
newsletter via email, send your name and F vt
email address to info@tcadp.org. OF TEXAS
Ea are
Page 3, Summer 2009
TCADP Launches Statewide
Conference Calls
On June 9, 2009,
TCADP conducted its
first-ever statewide
conference call, which
engaged members and
supporters throughout
Texas in dialogue
about legislative advo-
cacy on the death pen-
alty. The call featured TCADP Board Mem-
2010 TCADP ANNUAL CONFERENCE |
FEBRUARY 20, 20 1 Oo bers Bob Van Steenburg and Les Breeding,
CO-SPONSORED BY THE
SMU HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION PROGRAM
death penalty-related bills that were intro-
duced during the 81° State Legislative Ses-
sion. Bob and Les also outlined some of the
next steps for advancing TCADP’s legislative
agenda. To download a recording of the
call, please visit http://tcadp.org/uploads/
File/ConferenceRecording-06-09-09.mp3.
who provided an overview of the dozens of
DALLAS, TX
HIGHLAND PARK
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
MORE DETAILS AND HOTEL INFO TO COME IN THE
FALL AND WINTER TCADP NEWSLETTERS.
WATCH ForRIT!
This was the first in a series of statewide
conference calls that will be taking place on
a quarterly basis. Each call will feature a
guest speaker and will highlight a TCADP
Program or upcoming event. The next call
is scheduled tentatively for the evening of
September 14 and will focus on outreach to
murder victims’ family members. Check the
TCADP website or call the office for details.
LOOK FOR EXCITING CHANGES IN THE PROGRAM
AND A DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION RATE FOR
TCADP MEMBERS.
The Newly Elected Steering Committee of the
World Coalition Against the Death Penalty These calls are open to all TCADP members
. Amnesty International and supporters. If you would like to suggest
Arab Coalition Against the Death Penalty a topic or speaker for future calls, please
contact Kristin at knoule@tcadp.org or 512-
441-1808. We look forward to talking with
Barreau de Paris -France
Coalition marocaine contre la peine de mort -Morocco
!
Collectif de soutien 4 Mumia Abu Jamal -France you:
Culture pour la PaixetlaJustice-DCR
Death Penalty Focus -USA
ECPM -France "
FikcAT Daily News
FIDH on the
FSU -France
Lawyers for Human Rights International -India Texas
National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers -USA
Penal Reform International
Puerto Rico Bar Association —Puerto Rico
Sant'Egidio Community -Italy
Taiwan Alliance to End the Death Penalty -Taiwan
Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty -USA
Tuscany Region -Italy
Subscribe to the
Texas Abolition Blog
1
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if
i
i
1
i
Murder Victims' Family for Human Rights -USA ; Death Penalty
i
if
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i
i http://tcadp.blogspot.com/
if
2009 Legislative Update
The 81% Legislature
Regular Session concluded
on June 1. Dozens of
bills relating to the issue of
capital punishment were
introduced during the ses-
sion. Some passed; most
did not. So, how should
we evaluate the legislative
session, and how should
we measure the results of
TCADP'’s efforts this ses-
sion? Here is a recap of
the more significant
actions by the legislature
on bills of interest to
TCADP.
Repeal of the Death
Penalty (HB 682)
Rep. Jessica Farrar (D-
Houston) sponsored HB
682. TCADP worked very
closely with Rep. Farrar
and her office on this piece
of legislation. TCADP’s
goal was to get the bill to
a hearing in the House
Criminal Jurisprudence
Committee. The bill
received a hearing by the
Criminal Jurisprudence
Committee’s Subcommit-
tee on Capital Punishment.
The hearing was excellent
with several diverse and
extremely qualified speak-
ers. However, the bill
was left pending in the
subcommittee without
further action.
A positive aspect of our
efforts was that four other
members of the House
signed on to the bill as co-
sponsors: Reps. Burnam
(D-Ft. Worth), Edwards
(D-Houston), Hodge (D-
Dallas) and Marquez (D-El
Paso). In summary:
TCADP accomplished its
goal of having a hearing
on the bill and also
identified new allies in the
House.
Bills Passed and Signed
by the Governor
Indigent Defense
(HB 2058)
This bill provides for spe-
cific standards for attor-
neys representing indigent
defendants in the appeals
process in capital cases.
Compensation for
Wrongful Conviction
(HB 1736)
HB 1736 increases the
compensation (from
$50,000 to $80,000 for
every year of incarcera-
tion) paid to persons who
have been wrongfully con-
victed and sent to prison
for crimes they did not
commit. This bill has been
named the Tim Cole Act,
honoring Mr. Cole, who
died in prison while serv-
ing time for a crime he did
not commit.
Establishment of a
Capital Writs Office
(SB 1091)
This legislation establishes
a state-wide office to pro-
vide qualified defense for
indigent defendants in
capital cases. This is a
critical measure to ensure
that all those facing the
death penalty are provided
competent defense.
Innocence Commission
(HB 498)
This bill establishes an
advisory panel to assist
with a study regarding the
prevention of wrongful
convictions.
Bill Passed without a
Signature from the
Governor
Jail House Snitch
Testimony (SB 1681)
SB 1681 prohibits the con-
viction of a defendant
by Bob Van Steenburg
based on testimony pro-
vided by someone who
was incarcerated with the
defendant unless that tes-
timony is corroborated by
other evidence.
Other Legislation
There were several other
pieces of legislation intro-
duced this session that
either passed in one cham-
ber (Senate or House) but
failed in the other, or
failed in committee in one
chamber and did not pro-
ceed any further. A full list
of all legislation of interest
to TCADP can be found at
www.tcadp.org. Please
review these bills to learn
more about the legislative
process and the real diffi-
culty that bills face in be-
coming law.
Summary
The 81° Legislative Ses-
sion was an important,
positive initial step in our
work to repeal the death
penalty. We solidified our
relationship with Rep.
Farrar and her office. We
Ee areas
Page 4, Summer 2009
have identified several
new allies, in both the
House and the Senate.
We have made important
strides upon which we in-
tend to build in the next
session. And while Janu-
ary 2011 may seem a long
way off, it really is not.
We will begin to prepare
for the next session in
earnest this summer.
We have seen dramatic
examples this year of how
important it is for constitu-
ents to speak with their
legislators and we appreci-
ate the participation of
TCADP members and sup-
porters in this year’s ses-
sion. We will only succeed
when each of us tells
those who work for us in
the Capitol that we want
to end the use of the
death penalty in Texas.
Your help is needed in this
effort. Please continue to
contact your Senators and
Representatives, and tell
them you oppose capital
punishment.
National Update
There is a wave moving across the nation that seems to
be turning states away from the use of capital
punishment. Significant legislative progress includes
the following:
e New Mexico abolished the death penalty in March.
. thé Connecticut State Legislature voted to abolish
enalty, but Governor Jodi Rell vetoed
hot succ
ed the Montana Senate, the New
ee and the Colorado House but did
| in the other legislative chamber.
¢ Abolition bills-were seriously considered by
legislatures inKansas and Maryland. (Maryland has
changed the application of capital punishment so
that it seems that it will be very difficult for the
death penalty to be applied.)
The tide is moving in our direction!
Groundbreaking New Report
Ea" are
The Intersection of Murder, Mental Illness, and the Death Penalty Page 5, Summer 2009
On July 6, 2009, Murder Victims’ Families for Human Rights (MVFHR) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
released a powerful new report, Double Tragedies: Victims Speak Out Against the Death Penalty for People with Severe
Mental Illness. This report is the culmination of a project that the two organizations launched last fall in San Antonio.
In Double Tragedies, NAMI and MVFHR seek to draw attention to the nexus of
suffering between two groups of families whose opposition to the death penalty is
grounded in personal tragedy. Bringing together the perspectives both of families
of victims killed by persons with severe mental illness and families of persons with
severe mental illness who have been executed, the report raises numerous impor-
Lo
NAMI - Grading the States 2009
Texas - “D”
A9th in per capita spending on
tant questions:
mental health care. q
e What obligations does a society have both toward those who live with mental illness and the victims of the
crimes some have committed?
e What is the appropriate response when an individual with severe mental
illness commits murder?
e What could have been done to prevent these crimes from occurring in the
first place?
e What rights do victims have to information and participation in the pro-
ceedings when the crime involves an offender with severe mental illness?
How does the notion of diminished culpability relate to accountability?
e How do we balance the personal autonomy and civil liberties of persons
with severe mental illness with the need for intervention and prevention?
In light of these unresolved and complex questions, the report asserts that “the
death penalty is not only inappropriate and unwarranted for persons with severe
mental illness but ... also serves as a distraction from problems within the mental
health system that contributed or even led directly to tragic violence.”
The issues addressed in this report could not be more urgent. Earlier this year,
NAMI released Grading the States 2009, an update to its 2006 report in which it
sought to provide a baseline for measuring progress on a variety of criteria re-
lated to mental healthcare. In 2006, the State of Texas received a C grade; three
years later, it has dropped to a D. On another measure, Texas fell two positions
in terms of per capita spending on mental health care — it now ranks 49th among
all states. As NAMI clearly articulates, “greater investment is needed in order for
the state to truly transform and move toward an evidence-based, cost-effective
mental health care system.”
Double Tragedies presents the voices of more than 20 families nationwide who
have lost loved ones to murder or execution, including two from Texas. It also
contains policy
Membership Alert! recommendations
Please check the date on the address label of this news- | related to reforming the
letter to determine whether your TCADP._ membership is | ‘minal justice and
current. If the date listed on your label is prior to July
state mental health
1, 2009, your membership has expired. systems.
ce +2
From the Foreword...
“| am outraged that families try
desperately to get help for their
loved ones with mental illness, and
instead innocent people end up
getting murdered by persons who
could and should have been helped.
And | am outraged that states are
willing to put money and effort into
medicating someone so they are
competent enough to be executed,
but not willing to put money into
medication earlier, when they could
help the person become well and
avoid a senseless murder. ...
| hope that NAMI and MVFHR can
help us turn our outrage into
constructive dialogue and political
action that can bring about changes,
which will stop lives from being lost—
both on our streets and in execution
chambers.”
- Pete Earley, author of
Crazy: A Father’s Search Through
America’s Mental Health Madness
For lapsed members: This is the last newsletter you
will receive in the mail if you do not renew your mem-
bership by September 30, 2009! You can make a se-
cure online donation with your credit card at
http://www.tcadp.org/index.php?page=top-donate, or
send a check or money order (made out to “TCADP”),
along with your membership form (found on the back
page of this newsletter), to: TCADP; 2709 S. Lamar;
TCADP plans to distribute copies of the report to state legisla-
tors, attorneys, victims’ advocates, mental health advocates,
and coalition partners. If you would like to receive a hard
copy of the report, please contact Kristin at khoule@tcadp.org
or 512-441-1808. Please note that a PDF file will be available
online at www.mvfhr.org and also by request.
Additional resources on the intersection of mental illness and
the death penalty are available on the TCADP website under
the “Programs” button.
Page 6, Summer 2009
TCADP Chapter News
El Paso Chapter... in solidarity with faith groups throughout the state is holding an evening vigil on each day of a
scheduled execution in Texas. El Paso’s Saint Patrick Cathedral will hold its first such vigil at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July
16. All are invited. In a setting of quiet reflection, prayers will be offered in remembrance of murder victims, in compassion
for their family members, and on behalf of all victims of violence. Participants will pray for prisoners, especially those on death
row, their families, and the executioners.
Houston Chapter... has been very busy, with participation in multiple outreach opportunities including a “Living Library”.
Dave and Peggy Atwood participated in the "Living Library" at the Houston Public Library as "living books" - the title was
"Detour to Death Row". People would "check them out" and then be told Dave and Peggy's personal story of involvement
with Texas’ death row . Dave found it an effective way of connecting with people on the death penalty issue. The concept of
the Living Library started in Europe and has recently come to the United States. In Houston, the program was sponsored by
the Houston Public Library and the Center for the Healing of Racism.
NEW-— Odessa Chapter... organizers held a public witness in front of the Court House on April 30. The event, which
attracted about 20 people, sought to remember the many acts of violence that have occurred in the month of April, including
the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the tragedy at Waco, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the school shooting at
Columbine. The Odessa chapters consists both of ministers and lay people; it currently reflects participation from representa-
tives of the Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, and Church of Christ faith traditions.
NEW—The Woodlands Chapter... is busy planning its kick-off event. The chapter will host a viewing of “At the
Death House Door” on September 15, 2009 from 7:00 — 9:00 p.m. at the South Montgomery County Library located at 2101
Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380.
“At the Death House Door” is an intimate look at the death penalty in the state of Texas through the eyes of Reverend Carroll
Pickett, who served 15 years as the death house chaplain to the infamous "Walls" prison unit in Huntsville. The film also fo-
cuses on the execution of Carlos De Luna, a convict who Rev. Pickett firmly believed was innocent. Join us after the docu-
mentary for a discussion session with Rev. Pickett.
Check with your chapter leader for dates and times of meetings!
Chapters also have pages on the website listing vigil and meeting times and locations:
www.icadp.org
Chapters (C) and Regional Reps (RR)
STATE OFFICE—Austin (512) 441-1808 info@tcadp.org
Amarillo (RR) Eileen Dolan amarillo@tcadp.org
Austin (C) Bob Van Steenburg austin@tcadp.org
Beaumont (C) Bob Gazaway beaumont@tcadp.org
Brazos Valley (C) Carole Johnson collegestation@tcadp.org
Corpus Christi (C) Jeanne Adams corpuschristi@tcadp.org
Dallas (C) Rick Halperin dallas@tcadp.org
El Paso (C) Wayne Daniel elpaso@tcadp.org
Ft. Worth (RR) Curt Crum ftworth@tcadp.org
Houston (C) Nancy Bailey houston@tcadp.org
Huntsville (C) James Moore huntsville@tcadp.org
Laredo (RR) Sr. Rose Marie Tresp laredo@tcadp.org
Killeen (RR) Adele Mark killeen@tcadp.org
Lubbock (C) Vince Gonzales lubbock@tcadp.org
Odessa (RR) Father Mark Miller odessa@tcadp.org
Rio Grande Valley (C) Sylvia Garza riogrande@tcadp.org
San Angelo (RR) Robert Leibrecht sanangelo@tcadp.org
San Antonio (C) Roger Barnes sanantonio@tcadp.org
The Woodlands (RR) Angelle Adams thewoodlands@tcadp.org
Victoria (C) Rev. Wanda Ritchea victoria@tcadp.org
Waco (RR) Russell Doncouse waco@tcadp.org
INTERNATIONAL Sandrine Ageorges international@tcadp.org
(Please call the state office if you need a contact phone number or check the chapter page on the TCADP website.)
TCADP Chapters Across the State Ee are
Page 7, Summer 2009
Austin Chapter play and silent
auction fundraiser.
We remember the victimes
BUT NOT WITH MORE KILLING
TEXAS COALITION
TO ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY
WWW.TCADP.ORG
Houston demonstration
on the 200th Execution
under Governor Rick
Perry
Austin 200th
execution vigil,
with
approximately
50 people in
attendance
and with
‘Ss Sara Hickman
NAMI Walk with
Houston Chapter.
Work with your
local chapter on
raising
awareness about
the death
penalty in Texas!
Contact your
local chapter leader or
regional representative
for more information!
Thank you TCADP chapter members for providing these pictures!
TCADP Hits the Streets! EY ase
Page 8, Summer 2009
In the last few months, TCADP has had a presence at numerous religious conferences and community events throughout
Texas. These events serve as critical opportunities for membership recruitment and outreach to key constituencies. Here’s
where we've been:
International Women’s Day March, San Antonio
The Bishop's 16th Annual Catholic Pro-Life Dinner, hosted by the Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas
Houston International Festival
Houston, San Antonio, and Austin Pride Festivals
Second Annual National Conference on Restorative Justice, San Antonio
Annual Conference of the Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, The Woodlands
Annual Conference of the Southwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, Corpus Christi
Annual Meeting of the South Central Conference of the United Church of Christ, Huston-Tillotson University in Austin
2009 Harvest of Justice Conference, sponsored by St. Ignatius, Martyr Catholic Church in Austin
TCADP would like to thank all the local volunteers who helped to staff these tables: Angelle Adams, Angie Agapetus, Dave
Atwood, Nancy Bailey, Roger Barnes, Joan Cheever, Herb and Angela Diener, Tom Egan, Reverend Bruce Felker, Lynn
Furay, Sharon Gabel, Katie and Caleb Goodwin, Tom Keene, James Klein, Alexis Konevich, Kay Leonard, Johnny Martinez,
Isis Meltzer, John Reiser, Ann Smith, Bob Van Steenburg, and Linda White.
If you know of any upcoming tabling opportunities in your community, please contact Vicki McCuistion at info@tcadp.org or
512-441-1808. TCADP will provide you with literature and merchandise and pay any registration fees for the booth/exhibit.
In return, you commit to collecting petition signatures and signing people up for TCADP’s mailing list, which helps to grow
our movement. It’s a win-win situation!
Education Event Spotlight... w/Angelle Adams - The Woodlands, TX
How did you learn about TCADP?
I first learned about TCADP while attending the Texas Democratic Convention in 2008. I have always had a strong interest in
prisoner rights and injustices within our criminal justice system for as long as I can remember, and this passion motivated me
to get involved with the organization.
What or who motivated you to organize an educational event on the death penalty in your community?
At the 2009 annual conference, I was approached by Executive Director Kristin Houlé and asked whether I would be interested
in starting a new chapter in The Woodlands area. I instantly agreed to help out and take part in these efforts. One of the
great things about TCADP is the abundance of resources available on event ideas, planning tools, and support from fellow
members.
Describe the event you hosted in The Woodlands.
On May 5, I hosted a viewing of the documentary, "70x7: The Forgiveness Equation" at our local library.
How did you publicize your event?
The event was publicized by contacting TCADP members in The Woodlands area. I also posted fliers at the library and grocery
store. In addition, I went to meetings of local organizations and invited their members to attend.
What did you learn in organizing and hosting this event in your community?
I learned that it is important to get the word out early and to advertise in a variety of places. It is also important to promote
the activity as an inclusive, educational event to make it appealing to many people.
What was the most positive outcome of this event?
One person who attended told me that the documentary and discussion after the event helped to change her perspective on
the death penalty.
What are the next steps you are taking in your community?
On September 15, 2009, The Woodlands Area chapter will host a viewing of “At the Death House Door” from 7-9:00 p.m. at
the South Montgomery County Library located at 2101 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, Texas. Following the documen-
tary, Reverend Carroll Pickett will be on hand to answer audience questions and discuss death penalty issues.
We plan to publicize the event in local newspapers, church bulletins, school papers, college campuses, and spread the word
through other organizations. I feel that it is important to advertise this event as an educational event, as opposed to an anti-
death penalty event. There are many people out there who may not be decided on the issue, and we do not want to dissuade
them from attending. The goal of the event is to spread awareness and share information and experiences. Of course we
hope that an end result will be continued participation in our organization and a shift in perspectives and opinions on the death
penalty.
We hope to have a great turnout and a wonderful discussion. Please join us to help make our kick-off event a success!
Thank You for Your Generous Support pe |
TCADP would like to thank the following individuals and organizations who contributed between March 16 and June 16,
2009. Your financial assistance is critical to TCADP’s outreach, education, and advocacy efforts.
Tom Allen Clay Hess and Wendy Wallin Rabbi Samuel Stahl
Kathleen Barrett Brenda Janssen Sharon Starnes
Nancy C Boddeker-Blais Jessie Johnson Myriam Stubbe
Les Breeding Daniel Kaminski Doris Sykora
Joan Cheever Tom Keene Rita Taubenfeld
Peggy Cline John King Claudia and Jim Tracy
Jim and Sherry Coombes Irmgard Klingst Robert Trent
Robert and Shirley Cooper Christel Kollmann Rev. Edward and Barbara Triem
Sister Germaine Corbin James Legare Karen Tuel
Barbara Cowan Roberta Leichnitz PhD Dorothy Van Soest
Curt Crum Pete Mefford Bob and Jean Van Steenburg
Gayle and Mike DeGeurin Dr Alan Northcutt MD William Vaught
Paul Devera Patricia and Joseph Nixon Sigrid Walsh
Alison A Dieter Laura Nye Joe Watt
Arthur Dietz George and Estela Phillips Elisa Weber
Sal Digiacomo Rev. Carroll and Jane Pickett Linda White
Shirley Farrell Joyce Pulich Gerhard and Christel Wieding
Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza Ram and Lalli Ramchandran Leo and Emma Woods
Rodney Florence John Reiser
Daniel Foyt Richard Reyna Inside/Outside
Lynn Furay Joyce L. Richardson Lifespark
Glenda Fontenot and Pat Hardesty Amy Sharp Marianist Social Justice Collaborative
Susan Gries James Randy Sisk
Please let us know if we inadvertently have left you (or your spouse) off of this list.
We apologize in advance if we have missed anyone.
Thank you for supporting TCADP!
Jesus on Death Row, a book by Mark Osler Review by Vicki McCuistion
Jesus on In Chapter One of Jesus on Death Row, Mark Osler defines the purpose of his book as the
Death Row following: “My point here and in the rest of this book in drawing out the similarities between
the (criminal conviction) procedure that Christ faced and our criminal procedure today is not
= —< to compare Christ with the murderer, but to compare the society that executed him with our
a own.”
Mark Osler is a Professor of Law at Baylor University School of Law in Waco, Texas. He is a
former federal prosecutor and an expert on federal sentencing guidelines. His work on
sentencing has been cited and extensively quoted by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Mark Osler’s background as a prosecutor makes his evaluation of Jesus Christ's “trial” that
much more interesting. He weaves his own experience and knowledge of modern criminal
prosecution into his account of what Jesus faced during his own trial. This book will not only
give you a better understanding of the trial that led to Jesus’ crucifixion, but will also provide
insight into what current capital defendants face in the American capital punishment system.
As the author compares Jesus’ trial with modern day capital trials, one has to wonder if Jesus came again today and
ended up being prosecuted in a Texas court, would he not again be faced with a trial that included entrapment, a paid
witness, and denial of clemency?
The book includes extensive footnotes and a scriptural index; it is available on Amazon.com.
Please note that Professor Osler recently joined the TCADP Speakers Bureau. Contact the TCADP office for more
information about scheduling him as a speaker for your civic group or faith community!
TEXAS COALITION TO ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY
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Walls: Memoirs of a Death House Chaplain by Reverend Carroll Pickett.
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