Rio Texas Methodist Federation for Social Action

News From TCADP

March 5, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA

From the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

It’s Time for Answers in the Willingham Case

Ten years ago today – February 17, 2004 – Cameron Todd Willingham was executed by the State of Texas despite compelling evidence of his innocence. Willingham was put to death for the 1991 arson murder of his three daughters in Corsicana. His case continues to be shrouded in doubt and controversy, as every fire expert who has examined the case since the time of his conviction has concluded that the evidence does not support the finding of arson. The tragic deaths of Willingham’s children were likely the result of a terrible accident, not a crime.

Last fall, relatives for Cameron Todd Willingham, working with the Innocence Project, filed an amended petition with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles asking the state to posthumously pardon him. Family members urged the state to conduct an investigation into Willingham’s wrongful execution based on newly discovered evidence that points to possible false testimony at his trial and possible prosecutorial misconduct.

Take action today! Through the Innocence Project, you can write to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and Governor Rick Perry and ask them to conduct an investigation into Cameron Todd Willingham’s execution. The Willingham family should not have to wait another 10 years for answers.

2013 a Record Year for Exonerations

Unfortunately, the flaws and failures in the case of Cameron Todd Willingham are not unique. According to a new report from the National Registry of Exonerations, 2013 was a “record-breaking” year for exonerations in the United States, with 87 known exonerations, including one death penalty case. Texas led all states with 13 exonerations. Here are some highlights of the report, “Exonerations in 2013”:

27 of the exonerations last year occurred in cases in which no crime in fact happened, a record number.
15 known exonerations in 2013 occurred in cases in which the defendants were convicted after pleading guilty, also a record number.
DNA evidence is playing a diminishing role in exonerations and accounted for only a fifth of the total number of exonerations in 2013.
At least 1,304 prisoners falsely convicted of crimes have been exonerated over the past 25 years.

Read the report and check out infographics from the National Registry of Exonerations

Posted in Death Penalty, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »

Video of A Conversation with Bishop Melvin Talbert, February 9, 2014

February 11, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA

We are happy to report that a video of “A Conversation with Bishop Melvin Talbert” is posted on YouTube. The event was sponsored by the Southwest Chapter of Methodist Federation for Social Action at Trinity United Methodist Church in Austin, TX on Sunday, February 9, 2014. Introduction by Rev. Sid Hall. The Sign Language Interpreter is Clyde Boyd.

Bishop Talbert discusses the events surrounding his ministry of “Biblical Obedience” and the future of LGBTQ issues in the United Methodist Church. Retired Bishop Talbert has been an advocate for peace and for the oppressed and marginalized. He has fought to help The United Methodist Church and society address racism. He is committed to racial, gender and sexual orientation inclusiveness, stating that there is room at God’s table for everyone.

The video is in two parts. You can watch the two parts on YouTube at the links below. When you select the playlist link below the second part should start after the first part completes. The links for the individual parts are listed in case you want to watch them separately. Thanks to Donn German for videoing the event.

There is a playlist that should play both parts:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho0j1LqkZow&list=PLx2OEEviLEcziW7SR52YtJ492OF5jbGmy

Posted in Inclusion in UMC, Special Events. Leave a Comment »

Bishop Talbert to Celebrate at UUMC Austin, Followed by Lunch & Conversation at Trinity, February 9

February 4, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA

The Southwest Chapter of MFSA invites you to join us for lunch and A Conversation with Bishop Talbert on Sunday, February 9, at Trinity UMC, 4001 Speedway-Austin, TX. Bishop Talbert will discuss the events surrounding his ministry of “Biblical Obedience” and the future of LGBTQ issues in the UMC.

Lunch will be served starting at 12:15P.M. The conversation with Bishop Talbert will be from 1:15 to 3 P.M. No reservations are required. All are welcome to attend these events. If you would like to help with the luncheon event at Trinity UMC or have questions, please contact Janice Curry, jlcurry@austin.rr.com.

Bishop Talbert to Celebrate Reconciling Ministry Anniversary
at University UMC, Austin
Sunday, February 9 – 8:30 & 11:00am

Retired Bishop Melvin G. Talbert will be joining University United Methodist Church to celebrate our Reconciling Ministry anniversary on Sunday, February 9, 2014. Bishop Talbert will be in the UUMC pulpit at the 8:30 and 11 A.M. services delivering his message on Biblical Obedience.

Bishop Melvin G. Talbert has served The United Methodist Church as a mentor, pastor, conference staff member, district superintendent, general secretary and bishop. An institute was created in his name by Black Methodists for Church Renewal to engage and encourage young lay and clergy to reach their leadership potential.

Talbert has been an advocate for peace and for the oppressed and marginalized. He has fought to help The United Methodist Church and society address racism. He is committed to racial, gender and sexual orientation inclusiveness, stating that there is room at God’s table for everyone.

The celebration will include an installation from the Shower of Stoles project in the sanctuary, an extraordinary collection of over a thousand liturgical stoles and other sacred items representing the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people of faith. These religious leaders have served in twenty-seven denominations and faith traditions, and come from six countries on three continents. This collection celebrates the gifts of GLBTQ persons who serve God in countless ways, while also lifting up those who have been excluded from service because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Project bears witness to the huge loss of leadership that the church has brought upon itself because of its own unjust policies.

Posted in Chapter Meetings, Inclusion in UMC, Newsletter, Special Events. Leave a Comment »

Chapter Meeting Thursday, February 13 One Woman’s Story of Advocacy for Texas Public Schools

February 4, 2014 — Rio Texas MFSA

Texas Parent PAC – Supporting Public Education

Thursday, February 13 at Saint John’s UMC, Austin

6:30pm – Snacks & Conversations

7:00pm – Program

On Thursday, February 13, join MFSA to learn about the power of political activism. Carolyn Boyle, a member of Saint John’s UMC, is one of the founders of the Texas Parent PAC, a bipartisan political action committee for parents, grandparents, parents-to-be, and anyone who supports high quality public education. Carolyn is a long-time advocate for public education, former PTA President, and Coordinator for the Coalition of Public Schools.

Carolyn and four other mothers, who were fed up with the Texas Legislature’s treatment of public education, formed the Texas Parent PAC in 2005. The statewide PAC seeks to elect more state legislators with the courage to stand up for children and neighborhood public schools. Endorsed candidates understand that children are our future, and lawmakers must adequately invest in education to ensure prosperity in Texas. The group has a track record of success, helping to elect 23 new members of the Texas Legislature. In each election cycle, Texas Parent PAC supports an equal number of candidates from both major political parties. Endorsed candidates reflect traditional mainstream American values that honor and support families, communities, democracy, and quality public education. For more information about Texas Parent PAC, visit http://www.txparentpac.com/.

Come be inspired by Carolyn’s story of activism. Join us for snacks and conversation at 6:30pm and the program at 7:00pm.
Brief Chapter Business Meeting on February 13

At our Chapter meeting, we will elect Chapter officers.
Nominations for officers, as recommended by the Executive Committee, are shown below.
Additional nominations will be taken from the floor during the meeting.

President:                  Anne Mund
Vice President          Rowland Curry
Secretary                   Deana Henry
Treasurer                   Janice Curry

In addition, the Treasurer’s Report will be provided to those in attendance.

Posted in Chapter Meetings, General Information, Newsletter. Leave a Comment »