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Dear Gov. Greg Abbott: An Open Letter on the Guilt & Innocence of Melissa Lucio Dear Gov. Abbott. Melissa Lucio’s daughter was named Mariah. In the midst of all of the media attention around this case, that name is probably the easiest name to forget. The past few days have made me realize that advocacy…my advocacy…on behalf of Melissa Lucio would benefit from honesty about the nuances that exist in this case. You see, there are... Read more
Lamentations: On Carl Buntion & Oscar Smith Lamentations is a series of short reflections derived from a reoccurring conversation that takes place before every scheduled execution in the United States between prominent abolitionists Death Penalty Action Executive Director Abraham Bonowitz and Convener of Clergy United Against the Death Penalty The Rev. Dr. Jeff Hood. Death row is quickly becoming a nursing home. Don’t believe it? Think about the two guys who are facing execution today. Carl Buntion... Read more
The Death of Certainty and The Resurrection of Wonder: A Short Easter Homily The room was electric with anticipation. Every eye was glued to the stage. Everything but the speaker was a waste of time. We were about to hear one of the greatest liberal theologians of all time. Finally, he arose. I couldn’t believe how old he was. The pictures made him look so young. I guess that’s a trick of publishing. Keep recycling an old picture... Read more
SAVE MELISSA LUCIO!!!/SIGN THE PETITION!!!: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/melissa-lucio-innocent-woman-on-death-row-in-texas-2?source=direct_link National Weekend of Prayer for Melissa Lucio: The Rev. Dr. Jeff Hood This is Reverend Dr. Jeff Hood. I’m a long-time organizer against the death penalty, and I am a faith advisor, spiritual advisor on death row in Texas. As we enter into some of the most holy days on the Christian calendar, we are reminded of a story of death and resurrection. We are reminded of a story of injustice. You... Read more
Melissa Lucio, Texas and Life on Good Friday Do you remember? Word spread quickly. The crime was unspeakable. The reward for his capture was great. The government was desperate to get him off the streets. Nobody knew what he was capable of next. Considering him to be exceedingly dangerous, law enforcement planned carefully. For some time, they’d practiced and discussed the take. When the moment arrived, one of the fugitive’s confidantes revealed his location. As authorities... Read more
Historia Divina. I created Historia Divina to be a mystical revelation at the juxtaposition of history, Christ and self. Since Christ has existed throughout all of history, it makes sense that one would be able to find Christ in history. Thus, Historia Divina is the process of engaging Christ with the expectation that Christ will guide you to deeper historical and spiritual truths. It is imperative to remember that this process guides you into the account rather than just... Read more
The Execution of #PatrickLYOYA is The Execution of CHRIST. Growing up, our youth group regularly watched depictions of the passion of Christ. Imagine, terrible white actors covered in fake blood. In the midst of it all, we were always encouraged to manifest emotion. Our leader would shout out…. “Feel what Christ has done for you!” On multiple occasions, I remember pushing my eyelids as hard as I could to make myself look like I’d been crying. As everybody... Read more
In Matthew 25, Jesus didn’t give a caveat with regards to guilt or innocence when he said, “For, I was in prison, and you visited me…”. Instead, Jesus declares the he is the prisoner. Jesus always instructs those who follow his way to stand with those at the bottom…the most helpless…the least of these. Carl Buntion was convicted of sexually assaulting a child before he ever killed anybody. Sounds like a sick piece of shit to me.... Read more
*Originally Posted on Palm Sunday 2015 The people of Jerusalem waved their palms madly to celebrate the entry of Jesus into their town. Less than seven days later, Jesus was tortured and executed in the same place. Though Palm Sunday is a time to celebrate, I can never get past the fact that the same palm wavers either participated in or did nothing to stop the execution of Jesus. The lesson of the juxtaposition should be one of... Read more
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