Life After Death Row – With Anthony GravesPeace and Justice Luncheon Corpus Christi, SWTX UMC Annual Conference, June 13
In an a unanimous opinion, the three-judge Court of Appeals held that the state’s case had hinged on perjured testimony by Robert Carter – the father of one of the victims. The court concluded that Prosecutor Charles Sebesta had intentionally withheld evidence that could have helped Graves; most notably that Carter had recanted right before he testified at Grave’s August 1992 trial. After being implicated in the crime Carter was executed in May 2000 for his part in the murders – and in his final statement took sole responsibility for the crime. Mr. Graves was held for an additional four years in solitary confinement in the Burleson County jail awaiting retrial until October 27, 2010, when he was released after all charges were dismissed by Burleson County Special Prosecutor Kelly Siegler, who concluded, “He’s an innocent man. There is nothing that connects Anthony Graves to this crime.” Luncheon Flyer: MFSA_Peace and Justice Luncheon 2014 |
MFSA Annual Conference Luncheon Scheduled
March 5, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSAPeace and Justice Luncheon
will be the speaker at this year’s SWTX MFSA Peace and Justice Luncheon
in Corpus Christi, SWTX UMC Annual Conference, June 13
Anthony Charles Graves was convicted of the August 18, 1992 mass murder of six people in Somerville, after being implicated in the crime by Robert Carter – the father of one of the victims. Carter was executed in May 2000 for his part in the crime – and in his final statement took sole responsibility for the crime.
After spending 12 years on Death Row, Graves’ conviction was overturned on March 3, 2006 by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals when, in an a unanimous opinion, a three judge panel held that the state’s case had hinged on Carter’s perjured testimony, and concluded that the Prosecutor, Charles Sebesta, had intentionally withheld evidence that could have helped Graves; most notably that Carter had recanted right before he testified at Grave’s August 1992 trial.
Graves was held for an additional four years in solitary confinement in the Burleson County jail awaiting retrial until October 27, 2010, when he was released after all charges were dismissed by Burleson County Special Prosecutor Kelly Siegler, who concluded, “He’s an innocent man. There is nothing that connects Anthony Graves to this crime.”
MFSA ANNUAL CONFERENCE LUNCHEON SCHEDULED
February 4, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSAPeace and Justice Luncheon
Anthony Graves, exonerated death row inmate, will be the speaker at this year’s SWTX MFSA Peace and Justice Luncheon
in Corpus Christi, SWTX UMC Annual Conference, June 12-15 (day to be determined).
Anthony Charles Graves was convicted of the August 18, 1992 mass murder of six people in Somerville, after being implicated in the crime by Robert Carter – the father of one of the victims. Carter was executed in May 2000 for his part in the crime – and in his final statement took sole responsibility for the crime.
After spending 12 years on Death Row, Graves’ conviction was overturned on March 3, 2006 by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals when, in an a unanimous opinion, a three judge panel held that the state’s case had hinged on Carter’s perjured testimony, and concluded that the Prosecutor, Charles Sebesta, had intentionally withheld evidence that could have helped Graves; most notably that Carter had recanted right before he testified at Grave’s August 1992 trial.
Graves was held for an additional four years in solitary confinement in the Burleson County jail awaiting retrial until October 27, 2010, when he was released after all charges were dismissed by Burleson County Special Prosecutor Kelly Siegler, who concluded, “He’s an innocent man. There is nothing that connects Anthony Graves to this crime.”
TCADP Annual Conference Scheduled for February
January 9, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA
2014 TCADP Annual Conference – Lighting the Way
Location: University Christian Church, Fort Worth, Texas TCADP is well-known for hosting a professional and affordable conference with inspiring speakers, informative workshops and great networking opportunities! The TCADP Annual Conference will be held at University Christian Church, Fort Worth, Texas on the edge of the beautiful TCU campus and within miles of the Fort Worth Botanical Garden.
Special early bird registration rates are available for students, members, and supporters now! Register Today! Sponsorship Opportunities: Consider ways your organization, faith community, or business can engage with TCADP conference attendees. Download PDF Conference Hotel: Block rate of $109 a night – Springhill Suites Fort Worth University – 3250 Lovell Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76107-5730 Book your Group Rate Hotel Room Stay tuned for more details! TCADP members receive a discounted registration rate, so be sure to stay current.
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MFSA ANNUAL CONFERENCE LUNCHEON SCHEDULED
January 9, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA|
Peace and Justice Luncheon Anthony Graves, exonerated death row inmate, will be the speaker at this year’s SWTX MFSA Peace and Justice Luncheon
After spending 12 years on Death Row, Graves’ conviction was overturned on March 3, 2006 by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals when, in an a unanimous opinion, a three judge panel held that the state’s case had hinged on Carter’s perjured testimony, and concluded that the Prosecutor, Charles Sebesta, had intentionally withheld evidence that could have helped Graves; most notably that Carter had recanted right before he testified at Grave’s August 1992 trial. Graves was held for an additional four years in solitary confinement in the Burleson County jail awaiting retrial until October 27, 2010, when he was released after all charges were dismissed by Burleson County Special Prosecutor Kelly Siegler, who concluded, “He’s an innocent man. There is nothing that connects Anthony Graves to this crime.” |
TCADP – Month of Faith in Action on the Death Penalty: Faithful Conversation with Sr. Helen Prejean on the Death Penalty
October 14, 2012 — Rio Texas MFSASISTER HELEN PREJEAN — Friday, October 12
On Friday, October 12, St. Edwards University, the UMC General Board of Church and Society, the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, and others will host Faithful Considerations: A Discussion With Sister Helen Prejean and Austin Faith Leaders. Sister Helen will be joined by Rev. John Elford of University UMC and Pastor Nestor Menjivar.
The conversation will include the challenges of moving Texas away from a culture of vengeance toward a culture of accountability that does not rely on the death penalty; how faith leaders and people of faith can take a more proactive role in educating their congregations about this issue, and the challenges of addressing the death penalty from the pulpit. As Sr. Helen states, “I realize that I cannot stand by silently as my government executes its citizens. If I do not speak out and resist, I am an accomplice.”
The event will be held at the Ragsdale Center at St. Edward’s University from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The event is free, but you will need to register. Seating is limited.
Sister Helen Prejean is the author of Dead Man Walking, which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and later made into a powerful movie (with Susan Sarandon playing Sister Helen). She’ll be coming to Austin to share her story.
TCADP Month of Faith in Action on the Death Penalty
August 17, 2012 — Rio Texas MFSAA House Concert with Sara Hickman and Shelley King
Please join the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCADP) and friends on Sunday, September 16, 2012 for a special night of music, food, and fellowship! Singer-songwriter and TCADP Advisory Board Member Sara Hickman and her family will graciously open their home that evening for a house concert featuring the music of Sara and fellow songstress Shelley King. You won’t want to miss these two former Official Texas State Musicians when their powerful voices for love, peace, & justice come together!!
Seating is limited, so purchase your tickets today! Proceeds from this house concert will benefit TCADP and its upcoming event featuring Sister Helen Prejean. Four VIP packages are available for $200 – these include front-row seating at the house concert for two people plus admission to an intimate reception with Sister Helen Prejean before her speaking event on Friday, October 12 at St. Edward’s University in Austin. This small, invitation-only reception will take place from 5:45 to 6:45 PM at St. Ed’s.
WHEN: Sunday, September 16, 2012, 5:00 to 7:00 PM
WHAT: House concert featuring Sara Hickman and Shelley King, plus potluck supper
WHERE: The Home of Sara Hickman and Lance Schriner, Austin, Texas 78704 (the street address will be provided upon completion of your ticket purchase)
WHY: To benefit TCADP’s work to end the death penalty in Texas!
General Admission Tickets (1 per person) are $50.
Tickets and VIP packages can be purchased online from TCADP or by sending a check, payable to TCADP, to: 2709 S. Lamar, Austin, TX 78704. If paying by check, please indicate “Sara Hickman concert” in the memo line and tell us how many seats you’d like to reserve; also, please provide an email address and/or phone number with your check so that we can contact you with more details about the concert. Seating is limited, so purchase your tickets today!
A Faithful Conversation with Sr. Helen Prejean on the Death Penalty
On October 12 at St. Edward’s University, Jones Auditorium at 7:00pm, Sr. Helen Prejean will host a conversation with Dr. John Elford, Senior Pastor of University United Methodist Church and Rev. Nestor Menjivar, pastor of Principe de Paz (Prince of Peace) Baptist Church.
Sister Helen turned her experiences with death row and the Louisiana execution process into a book that was nominated for a 1993 Pulitzer Prize. Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States was number one on the New York Times Best Seller List and was developed into a major motion picture.
The conversation will include the challenges of moving Texas away from a culture of vengeance toward a culture of accountability that does not rely on the death penalty; how faith leaders and people of faith can take a more proactive role in educating their congregations about this issue; and the challenges of addressing the death penalty from the pulpit. As Sr. Helen states, “I realize that I cannot stand by silently as my government executes its citizens. If I do not speak out and resist, I am an accomplice.”
Reserve your tickets today! Free to the public. You will receive a confirmation email that will serve as your ticket!
RSVP-A Faithful Conversation on the Death Penalty w/ Sr. Helen Prejean http://tcadp.org/sr-helen-prejean-conversation/
2012 TCADP Annual Conference in San Antonio
January 10, 2012 — Rio Texas MFSASeizing the Momentum … Creating the Climate for Change
February 18, 2012
University of Incarnate Word Sky Room
847 E Hildebrand, San Antonio
General Membership Meeting
Workshops
Networking with TCADP Members and Allies
Exhibitors and Door Prizes
Panel Discussion: Impact of Texas’ Changing Demographics on the Death Penalty
Bishop Joe Wilson to Receive the TCADP Founder’s Award
Bishop Joe Wilson, retired Bishop of the United Methodist Church, is a persistent voice for justice on multiple issues who works to raise awareness and advocate for change. Bishop Joe Wilson expressed concern about Karla Faye Tucker’s scheduled execution in 1998, and then again in 2000 to then-Governor George Bush about the high number of executions in Texas. He has been a steadfast supporter of TCADP for many years and can always be counted on to participate in clergy-focused efforts. Bishop Wilson currently serves as Bishop-in-Residence at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. More information at: http://tcadp.org/what-we-do/annual-conference/
Nationwide Drop in Death Sentences, Executions in 2011
January 10, 2012 — Rio Texas MFSAOn December 15, the Death Penalty Information Center (DPIC) released its annual report, The Death Penalty in 2011: Year End Report. According to the report, the number of both new death sentences and executions nationwide experienced significant declines in 2011 compared to previous years, with the number of new death sentences dropping below 100 for the first time since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976.
In DPIC’s official press release, the organization’s Executive Director Richard Dieter stated:
This year, the use of the death penalty continued to decline by almost every measure. Executions, death sentences, public support, the number of states with the death penalty all dropped from previous years. Whether it’s concerns about unfairness, executing the innocent, the high costs of the death penalty, or the general feeling that the government just can’t get it right, Americans moved further away from capital punishment in 2011.
Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action 