Catholic bishops in the State of Georgia – including the new Conventual Franciscan Bishop of Savannah, Friar Gregory Hartmayer - are standing up for the sacredness of life. They are asking Georgia’s Board of Pardons and Paroles to spare the life of the death row inmate Troy Davis. Davis was charged with and convicted for the 1989 murder of Mark Allen MacPhail, a Savannah police officer. He is set to die next Wednesday (September 21).

The bishops’ action to save the life of Troy Davis has taken the shape of a letter to the Board of Pardons and Paroles. In the letter the bishops point out that “the death penalty is not compatible with the gospel.” There is also a possibility that Troy Davis is innocent. Several witnesses for the prosecution in Davis’ trial have withdrawn their testimony. On Monday, September 19, the Board of Pardons and Paroles is very likely set to discuss the possibility of Troy Davis receiving clemency. We will have to wait and see what it decides.

In their plea for clemency for Troy Davis the bishops of Georgia keep in mind the tragedy of Mark Allen MacPhail’s death. It is difficult to imagine the anguish Mark Allen’s family and friends have gone through and the sadness that is with them until today. The bishops point out however that perpetrators must be punished in ways other than the death penalty.

September 21, 2011: Troy Davis was executed this evening amidst protests by people around the world.

(Source of related image on homepage: www.diosav.org.)