KENTUCKY COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
P.O. Box 23171, Lexington, Kentucky 40523-3171
we. Telephone (859) 269-7715 Fax (859) 269-1240
Email kcc@kycouncilofchurches.org Web: www.kycouncilofchurches.org
September 24, 2012
The Honorable Steve Beshear, Governor
700 Capitol Ave., Suite 100
Frankfort, KY 40601
Dear Governor Beshear:
As you know, the twelve Christian traditions united in the Kentucky Council of Churches work for the
day when the death penalty will be repealed in Kentucky. The current juncture is therefore of great
concern to us. If a new protocol for executions is approved, you will be approached to sign death
warrants. The prospect of a spate of executions, so traumatic in the life of the Commonwealth, is
very disturbing. We urge you to refrain from signing death warrants.
Our concerns are heightened by the 2011 report from expert jurists who assessed Kentucky’s justice
system in the light of dozens of specific practices on which the legal profession agrees. This
assessment raised many doubts about the flawed processes by which people have already arrived on
death row. It therefore seems unthinkable that this could be a time for proceeding with executions.
In recent years, several state governors have abandoned their striving for a justice system that would
be perfect enough to warrant the taking of human life. These states have opted instead for allowing
only sentences that protect the public but that do not lead to executions.
Justice is better served by this alternative route. Victim’s family members are not forced to relive the
trauma again and again while they endure the appeals process. The justice system can be more
respected when the public does not suspect the execution of innocent persons or persons
disadvantaged by social class or race. State funds can be used to support programs that prevent
crime, improve education, and provide services to the families of murder victims, in short to improve
life rather than end it. Society can join in affirming that all human life is significant and valuable,
indeed sacred and created by God.
You are positioned in this time in Kentucky's history as the leader who will either promote a
traumatic new round of public executions or, we pray, put an end to this ever-looming possibility.
May God give you wisdom and strength for this and all the weighty issues that come before you.
Sincerely,
‘ ee ed
Marian Taylor, Executive Director Michael Ward, Executive Board President
African Methodist Episcopal ” African Methodist Episcopal Zion “Christian Church in KY “Christian Methodist Episcopal
Cumberland Presbyterian “ Episcopal “ Evangelical Lutheran Church in America " Kentucky Baptist Fellowship “ Presbyterian Church USA
Roman Catholic “ United Church of Christ “ United Methodist “Union Church, Berea
Observer-Participants: Friends Meeting Berea/Lexington “ Salvation Army (SWONEKY & KY/TN Divisions)
Ecumenical Partners: Church Women United “ Church World Service “ Kentuckiana Interfaith Community “ Oikocredit ”
Paducah Cooperative Ministry
