Across the state, death penalty opponents, including leaders of many mainstream denominations, are waging a campaign to have Gov. Don Sundquist, and their own worshipers, examine their consciences. But some leaders, such as United Methodist Bishop Kenneth Carder, acknowledge that many in their flocks are silent on the issue. Carder's jurisdiction encompasses about 200,000 Methodists and 750 ministers in Middle and West Tennessee. There have been those who disagreed. Among the faiths represented by the opponents are Catholics, Episcopalians, Methodists, AME, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, Jews, Muslims and Buddhists.
Execution is wrong, they say, spiritually, morally and socially.
Among those not represented are Southern Baptists, who historically have supported the death penalty and say Scripture supports their position. Prior to Wednesday's meeting among several religious leaders and Sundquist's legal counsel, opponents had taken out full-page newspaper ads and used various other methods to get their message across. Bolstered by Pope John Paul II's strong, unconditional pro-life stance, the area Catholic Church has stepped up activism against the death penalty. As the Catholic bishops of Tennessee, we call upon citizens of this state to reject the use of the death penalty. Fight for integrity Tennessee is the only Southern state that has not executed anyone since the United States resumed the death penalty in 1976.