I am sure many of you were paying attention to and perhaps even praying for 41 years old Julius Jones, who was on death row, expected to be executed yesterday, but just a few hours before that Kevin Stitt, the governor of Oklahoma commuted his death sentence, reducing the sentence to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Jones has received the death sentence for the 1999 shooting death of Paul Howell in OK but Jones has maintained his innocence.
In another news, the jury acquitted 18-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse, a few moments ago, of first-degree intentional homicide and four other felony charges.
These and several similar cases have been on my mind lately and the inconsistencies in our criminal justice system -- learning that 35% of those executed under the death penalty within the last 40 years have been African Americans, while they represent only 13% of the general population.
Despite Miranda Rights (right to remain silent), 65% of Black adults and approximately 35% of Latino and Asian adults feel targeted because of their race.
Friends, there is much that needs to change in our justice system -- but no human has a right to take the life of another. The death penalty in all states needs to be abolished. I invite you to join many in speaking against the death penalty by following the Death Penalty Information Center, and putting pressure on our elected officials.
Each life is a precious gift of God! This world is a precious gift from God and all in it is also beautifully and wonderfully created by God. We are called to give God thanks for these resources not destroy them. We will talk more about Thanksgiving, but I do wish to mention here that we will be hosting a Thanksgiving Meal on Thursday, November 25th. If you have no plans, and/or would be alone on Thanksgiving, you are welcome to join us. Please register here for delivery or ‘dine-in.’
Beloveds, may God help each one of us to do all we can, to make the world around us, a better place for everyone. May we always seek justice, love kindness and stay in love with God our creator. And remember, I am always with you in the work of justice. I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday!
