Mississippi Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church

An execution is scheduled for tomorrow, May 21, in Mississippi.

Earl Berry, who confessed to the murder of Mary Bounds, is scheduled to be killed by the state of Mississippi. I hope that you will join me in silence and repentance as the day unfolds.

We grieve the loss of Mary Bounds and the violence of her death, but by killing Earl Berry, the state will participate in the violence of our society and thereby escalate it. God calls us to give ourselves for others, to persevere in hope even in extreme circumstances, to end cycles of violence by being peacemakers. As God's people, we are called to cease offering evil in retribution for evil.

A vigil will be held to witness against the execution in Mississippi:

Smith Park Prayer Vigil, Downtown Jackson
Wednesday, May 21
5:30-6 p.m.
Open to the public

With gratitude for your ministry,

Hope