On Sunday, April 17, 2016, during confirmation and the renewal of baptismal vows, the Right Rev. Ted Gulick asked the St. George’s congregation, “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?” The Outreach Commission is having conversation about the laws in Virginia that directly impact those who have been found guilty of taking the life of another, requiring the loss of their own life at the hands of the state. Can we respond to the call to respect the dignity of every human being when at the same time our justice system resorts to state sanctioned killing of its citizens who have done grievous wrongs?
Our present legislative body has struggled this session with bringing back the electric chair as default method of execution should lethal drugs be made unavailable. (Drug companies having provided the “lethal cocktail” in the past no longer choose to sell their drugs to states which use it for executions.)
The Governor has vetoed that “electric chair” bill and instead has proposed seeking out other manufacturers to provide execution drugs and keeping the identity of those agencies secret. The Governor contends that manufacturers will continue to refuse to supply drugs to Virginia unless their names are kept under wraps. Other lawmakers insist that the execution of human beings is something that ought to have the maximum transparency and not be shrouded in secrecy.
Join us in this most timely conversation as the Governor proposes changes to the vetoed “electric chair” bill and looks to continue executions through secret compounding agencies. If interested in being part of this conversation or if you would like more information on how we can create awareness of this present day issue of justice and respecting ALL life, contact Debbie Simpson or Carey Chirico.
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