Execution Date Set for Willie James Pye
The state of Georgia announced that Willie James Pye is scheduled to be executed on Wednesday, March 20, at 7:00 p.m. If carried out, this will be the first execution in Georgia in over four years.
Community news items related to capital punishment.
HB 1014 Action Alert
House Bill 1014 was recently introduced by Representative Bill Werkheiser. This important piece of legislation would (1) lower the standard of proof for intellectual disability and (2) remove the determination of intellectual disability from the guilt phase of a trial.
Journey of Hope Speakers’ Tour
Join Georgians for Alternatives Against the Death Penalty for the 30th Anniversary Journey of Hope: From Violence to Healing Speakers’ Tour. Events will be taking place across the state from January 26 through February 6.
Georgia bishops sign faith leaders’ letter
Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., and Atlanta’s auxiliary bishops are joining other interfaith leaders to ask Georgia lawmakers to change the standard of proof for those with intellectual disabilities in capital cases.
World Day Against the Death Penalty
World Day Against the Death Penalty is Tuesday, October 10. Join us in the morning for an in person prayer service at the Georgia State Capitol, or participate in a virtual prayer call in the evening.
Prayer Service for St. Maximilian Kolbe
Bishop Bernard E. Shlesinger, III, Auxiliary Bishop of Atlanta, will celebrate a virtual prayer service on Monday, August 14 in observance of the Memorial of St. Maximilian Kolbe, patron saint of prisoners and the pro-life movement.
Stations of the Cross for Victims of State Violence
This Lent, we will pray the Stations of the Cross for all victims of state violence, and reflect on the parallels between our modern criminal legal system and Christ’s own unjust conviction and execution.
Exonerated: An Evening with Sabrina Butler-Smith
Join us to hear Sabrina Butler-Smith share her story of wrongful conviction, six years of imprisonment and nearly three years spent on Mississippi’s death row before finally being exonerated in 1995.
Sign our petition!
In September, Pope Francis asked all people of good will to mobilize to abolish the death penalty. Now is the time for Georgia Catholics to mobilize for the protection of human life and dignity in our laws.
Georgia Death Penalty Abolition Week
Georgia Death Penalty Abolition week is a 3-day event raising awareness and advocacy against Georgia’s flawed, costly and discriminatory capital punishment system.