TN bishops ask governor to end executions

Editor’s note: A trial is underway in Nashville involving 33 death row inmates and their challenge to the threedrug combination for lethal injections in Tennessee. The inmates claim the drugs, including midazolam, present a substantial risk of serious and severe pain and suffering and were used in botched executions in other states.

The last execution in Tennessee took place in 2009. The next execution, for Billy Ray Irick, 59, convicted of the 1986 rape and murder of a 7-year-old girl in Knox County, is scheduled for Aug. 9. Last weekend, Tennessee’s three Catholic bishops sent the following related letter to Gov. Bill Haslam. Dear Governor Haslam, We, the three bishops of Tennessee, congratulate you on your successful administration and thank you for your leadership as your term as Governor nears its end. We also thank you for the gracious and attentive reception that you have given to us and our predecessors over the last eight years. We appreciate the regular opportunities that we have had to dialogue on many important public policy issues.

In 2014, you may recall, Bishops Stika, Choby, and Steib discussed with you their strong opposition to the state carrying out the death penalty. At that time, Bishop Stika shared with you the account of Pope John Paul II’s (now Saint John Paul) role in commuting the death sentence of Missouri’s Darrell Mease to life in prison during the papal visit to St. Louis in 1999. At that time, the pope called for the end to the death penalty as both cruel and unnecessary. He said that it is simply not necessary as the only means to protect society while still providing a just punishment for those who break civil laws. Rather than serving as a path to justice, the death penalty contributes to the growing disrespect for human life.

Following that meeting in 2014, we provided at your request, written documentation about the Catholic Church’s position on capital punishment and the foundations on which that teaching is based. We welcome any questions that you might have about our teaching, as we join with many other religious denominations in firm opposition to the execution of even those convicted of heinous crimes.

We urge you to use your authority as governor to put an end to the fast-track executions planned for later this year. It is within your power to establish your legacy as a governor of Tennessee who did not preside over an execution on your watch.

Please know that you remain in our prayers as you complete your term in office and look forward to your future service to the people of Tennessee. Sincerely in Christ, Bishop Martin D. Holley of Memphis, Bishop J. Mark Spalding of Nashville, and Bishop Richard F. Stika of Knoxville.