PRAY for James Osgood, facing execution

We oppose this execution as we do every execution. Capital punishment is an act of state-sanctioned violence that violates the sacred dignity of every human life. In the words of Saint Pope John Paul II, “The dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil.”

However, James Osgood has explicitly requested that no advocacy be done on his behalf, including petitions for clemency, rallies, or protests.

Ins lieu of advocacy, we invite all who value the sanctity of life to join us in prayer. We pray for James Osgood, for his soul, and for all those impacted by this tragedy. We pray for Tracy Lynn Brown and her family. We also pray for an end to the death penalty in Alabama and across the country, that our justice system may one day reflect mercy and the possibility of redemption.

Let us pray …

God of Mercy,

You bestow upon every person a dignity that cannot be extinguished, no matter the harm someone has suffered or caused.

Rooted in this sacred value of all life, we work together to transform the criminal justice system by ending the death penalty. Enliven our commitment to “work with determination for its abolition worldwide.

Ignite in our imaginations more restorative approaches to harm and violence that embody Your vision of right relationship. For any person who is a victim of, responsible for, or witness to crime, may we be vessels of Your hope, healing, and redemption.

Embolden in us the fire to foster a culture of life. Sustain our pursuit of reconciling justice, that we may model your compassion and mercy with our lives.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.