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Bishop Holston

Bishop Holston

Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, resident bishop of the S.C. Conference of the United Methodist Church, issued this statement in response to the death sentence handed down this week to the man convicted of the Emanuel 9 massacre:

A jury ruled Tuesday in the sentencing phase for the man convicted of the Emanuel AME Church shootings in Charleston. While the decision brings closure to the legal process, the need for healing is ongoing. The divisions in our nation run deep, and people of faith are called to break down the walls of hatred that divide us.

The jury’s decision to impose a death sentence will cause some to rejoice due to the severity of the crime. As United Methodists, we are deeply concerned about crime throughout the world and the value of any life taken by murder.  We recognize that repentance is the first step to redemption through Jesus Christ.  The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church states: “We believe the death penalty denies the power of Christ to redeem, restore and transform all human beings.”

episcopal-logoAs followers of Christ – committed to social justice and opposed to gun violence and racism – we support discussion and cooperation centered on respect and justice for all. We must be God’s beacons of light in a dark world.

We continue to grieve lives lost, hearts broken, trust shattered. We continue to pray for the families of those killed, for the wounded, those who witnessed the violence, and for the whole congregation of Emanuel AME Church.

Let us not only pray for peace as the pathway to healing but act with justice – treasuring the Lord’s gracious love as we walk humbly in God’s company. Let us band together as people of faith to witness to the world the love of Jesus Christ.

Grace and Peace,

L. Jonathan Holston

 

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