Too Much Doubt

This afternoon, I’ll be leading a memorial service for an 84 year old woman from Louisiana.  Her family has returned to bury her here in West Newton, and they have invited me, in this time of grief and mourning, to be a pastor for them.

Over the next week, there will be one or more memorial services of another sort, because a child of God was killed late last night.  The story of Troy Davis, which has achieved national attention only this week, has come to an end.

Today, I lament the loss of life, innocent or guilty.  I am perplexed that in a self-proclaimed “Christian nation,” the death penalty is still alive and well.  I weep for Troy Davis, who died despite a great deal of doubt about what actually happened one night in 1989.  

My heart aches for his family and friends, as the last 2 decades have surely been a more difficult journey than I can imagine.  My heart also aches for the family and friends of Mark MacPhail, who have also been on a long, difficult journey over these years.  Some of them expected “closure” with this act of retribution, and I pray that they may find closure – not in the death of another, but in the healing that comes only from above.

I’ll admit that I probably could have done more.  Aside from signing a petition and praying, I did not do anything to prevent this from happening.  Meanwhile, many of my friends from seminary played significant roles in the rallies and movements to save Troy’s life.  Their efforts were instrumental in the delay of his execution by the halting of three prior execution dates over the last three years.  I thank God this day for their Christian witness and their efforts for justice rather than revenge.  I have been encouraged by how much the body of Christ rallied to save a life, even though death was eventually the result.  I am proud of you, Candlerites and other supporters.

I wish this story had received national attention sooner.  Perhaps then a death could have been avoided.  I would still be planning a funeral for today, but Troy Davis’ family would not be.  But I am hopeful that this may again bring the death penalty debate to the forefront of American discourse.  Some have already suggested that the public nature of this case may soon change the tide on this archaic form of punishment.  If we do begin talking about the death penalty again, I pray that our discourse will follow the lead of the protests last night: passionate, non-violent, civil, and prayerful.

This afternoon, I will pray in a cemetery the following prayer.  And then I will return home and pray the same for the soul of Troy Davis.  Lord, have mercy upon all of us.

Gracious God, we thank you for those we love but see no more.  Receive into your arms your servant, and grant that increasing in knowledge and love of you, he/she may go from strength to strength in service to your heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.