Pope Francis has just left our country, and while he was here he was an inspiration to many including those incarcerated. He even visited a prison and blessed those inmates present. In his view all life is valuable.
Today Kelly Gissendaner is scheduled to be executed at 7 PM. Pope Francis sent a plea for repeal of the death penalty, but the Georgia Parole Board gave the green light to the execution in spite of his letter. Yes, what she did was atrocious, but she has been in prison since 1997 for her part n the murder of her husband, by her lover. Her lover, by he way, is serving a life sentence without parole. Should she not receive the same?
I am against the death penalty and believe that justice is better served with mercy. She should not be let go, but sentenced to serve the rest of her life in prison. If we kill humans, then who are we in the eyes of humanity?
She has been a model citizen while serving her time and has been an inspiration for other prisoners. Literally hundreds of clergy have asked for clemency for her. She will be the first woman put to death in 70 years. Who will her death serve? What purpose will it serve? It will not deter others and it does not serve humanity. How will it affect her three children?
I can only hope that there will be a last minute judgement to stay her execution. If not, I pray for her soul.