Sister Helen on Social Media
“I do not think that God approves the death penalty for any crime, rape and murder included. Capital punishment is against the better judgment of modern criminology, and, above all, against the highest expression of love in the nature of God.” #mlkday Elwood Jones was released on bond today after spending nearly 30 years on Ohio’s death row. A Cincinnati judge granted Jones a new trial, finding that prosecutors withheld significant exculpatory evidence from his defense team. Photo from the Cincinnati Enquirer. What a privilege it is to be able to share this special day of joy with my friends and family, in warmth and companionship. Felony disenfranchisement is a serious issue, especially in the Deep South. This presentation on Dec. 20th will provide valuable information for lawyers and non-lawyers alike on recent Louisiana laws that have changed voting rules for people who may have been disenfranchised before. In-person and virtual options available. NEWS: Governor Kate Brown today commuted the death sentences of all 17 people who remained on Oregon’s death row. The Governor also ordered the immediate dismantling of the state’s execution chamber. Thank you, Governor Brown, for your courageous moral leadership! Manuel Ortiz has been on death row at Angola for almost 30 years for a crime he did not commit. On October 13, Manuel will turn 65. It would bring a little brightness into his world to receive birthday greetings from outside. Angola does not let you send cards or postcards, but a letter on plain paper is fine. #GiveNOLADay is coming up — I only ask for donations to our ministry two times per year and this is one of them. You can make a contribution between now and May 3rd at the link in my bio. Thank you for your generous support! Last Tuesday, April 5th, we launched the Louisiana Repeal campaign to end the death penalty at the Capitol in Baton Rouge. I was thinking about Pat Sonnier all day. He was executed in Louisiana's electric chair on April 5, 1984. I was there. I saw it with my own eyes. And what I saw set my soul on fire.
I want to acknowledge all those for whom this day is especially hard. I hold you in my heart.
The photo below was taken at Christmastime, 2009, on death row with Manuel Ortiz. Today, 13 years later, Manuel is still on death row.
If you'd like to wish Manuel a happy birthday, send your letter to:
Manuel Ortiz
Death Row, #349580
Louisiana State Penitentiary
ANGOLA, LA 70712