The Holy Synod agreed that the church would fully participate in the work of the special commission. His death was given widespread coverage and drew messages of sympathy and concern from several church leaders and President Bill Clinton. In particular it resonated with gay and lesbian people because many, if not most of us, have lived in fear of violent acts against us and repeatedly been the victims of prejudicial speech containing suggestions of violence. We oppose this further act of violence and ask them to reconsider their decision and not apply the capital punishment statute in this case. We do so informed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the long-held belief of our Episcopal Church that the death penalty is simply and completely wrong.
Violence only begets violence.
Lesbian and gay people have known violence in all its insidious forms. It is not the death of his killers that will bring about justice for Matthew Shepard. It is the conversion of all our hearts from the ways of violence and hate. Every Voice and Sing II . This compilation features 21 selections sung by the Adult Choir of Grace Church of Norfolk, Virginia, under the direction of Carl W. Haywood, organist and Terry Butler, assistant organist.