Posted: May 14, 2019
Christian leaders, including Tennessee’s Catholic and Episcopal bishops, have launched a last-minute appeal to save the life of Donnie Johnson, who is set to be executed on Thursday.
Since being convicted for the 1984 murder of his wife, Johnson has become a practicing Christian and been ordained as an elder. Today, he leads a Bible study for his fellow prisoners.
Among those joining in the appeal for clemency is Johnson’s daughter, who has asked for a meeting with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee so she can “share her experience of Christian forgiveness.”
This is the first execution to be scheduled in Tennessee since Lee took office after a campaign that centered heavily on his Christian faith. As Johnson has said, “I’ve seen he’s a man of faith. I would ask that he does what God leads him to do.”
Let’s join with church leaders in appealing to Governor Bill Lee’s Christian faith, praying that he might show mercy and spare the life of Donnie Johnson.
Sign the petition:
Love thy neighbor.