Interfaith Statement of Opposition to the Death Penalty

Dear Governor Abbott, Members of the 84th Texas Legislature, and other elected officials,

We, the undersigned 551 faith leaders, reflecting the rich diversity of faith traditions observed in this great state, stand together in expressing our deep concerns about the death penalty in Texas. Our concerns are both moral and practical and are rooted in our religious traditions. We write to you today to call for the end of the death penalty in Texas in the belief that this practice is not in the best interest of our State, our justice system, or the safety of our people.

We join with many Texans in questioning our state’s death penalty system, which has consistently been shown to be unfair and inaccurate. Texas leads the nation in the number of executions carried out each year. In fact, our state is a significant outlier in this regard, accounting for more than one third of all executions nationwide since 1976. Well- documented evidence suggests that often it has not been the crime itself but rather such factors as race, socioeconomics, geography, or politics that have determined the application of the death penalty. Another grave concern is the number of individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and spent years on death row for crimes they did not commit.

As faith leaders, we are greatly disturbed by the presence of violence in our communities. We believe that instead of allocating scarce resources to fund an irrevocably flawed capital punishment system, the State of Texas should invest in victim support services, effective law enforcement, drug treatment programs, child and family services, and mental healthcare – all measures that hold potential for preventing future acts of violence. We should do all we can to make sure our state’s resources are directed towards the improvement of life, not its destruction.

We firmly believe that those who commit terrible crimes should be held accountable for their actions and we advocate for a justice system that is both humane and restorative. It is particularly important to us to support the victims of violent crimes and their family members in their grief and suffering and promote measures that will facilitate their healing. In responding to one of our greatest societal problems, we believe the state must consider solutions to violent crime that address our communities’ need for safety and healing, not retribution.

As people of faith, we take this opportunity to reaffirm our opposition to the death penalty and to express our belief in the sacredness of human life and in the human capacity for redemption. It is this respect for all life that prompts us to join the diversity of voices across the state calling for repeal.

We urge you, our elected officials, to take a closer look at the reality of capital punishment in Texas and ask that you seek alternative ways to achieve healing and justice for all those who suffer in the wake of violent crimes. We thank you for your leadership and we pray for the time when our state is led away from this unnecessary, arbitrary, and outmoded form of punishment.

Sincerely,

Bishop Michael McKee Bishop Janice Riggle Huie Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Bishop of the North Texas Conference, United Methodist Bishop, Houston Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston The United Methodist Church EpiscopalArea Houston, Texas Plano, Texas Houston, Texas Bishop Ray Tiemann Bishop J. Michael Lowry Bishop James E. Dorff Southwestern Texas Synod Evangelical The Central Texas Conference of the United Rio Texas Conference Lutheran Church in America Methodist Church San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas Fort Worth, Texas Bishop Michael Rinehart Rev. Mike Cole Bishop Earl Bledsoe Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod New Covenant Presbytery New Mexico/Northwest Texas Annual Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Houston, Texas Conferences, The United Methodist Church Houston, Texas Lubbock, Texas

*Religious traditions and faith community names listed for identification purposes.

Bishop Joel Martinez Rabbi Benjamin Sternman Pastor Nancy DeStefano Retired, The United Methodist Church Adat Chaverim St. Stephen United Methodist San Antonio, Texas Plano, Texas Little Elm, Texas

Bishop Joe Wilson Rev. Debbie Chapman Dr. Thomas Brumett Retired, The United Methodist Church Holy Covenant United Methodist Church of First United Methodist McKinney Georgetown, Texas Carrollton McKinney, Texas Plano, Texas Bishop J .Woodrow Hearn Rev. Clay Horton Retired, The United Methodist Church Rev. Frank Denner III Christ United Methodist Church Galveston, Texas Custer Road United Methodist McKinney, Texas Plano, Texas Ann Sherer-Simpson Deacon Victor Machiano Retired Bishop, United Methodist Church Rev. Wally Butts St Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church Trinity, Texas Cornerstone United Methodist McKinney, Texas Plano, Texas Bishop John Russell Rev. Woodrow Weilage Retired, The United Methodist Church Deacon Art Tiongson Retired, The United Methodist Church Fort Worth, Texas St. Gabriel Catholic Church McKinney, Texas Frisco, Texas Bishop Ben Chamness Rev. Don Zeiler Retired, The United Methodist Church Pastor Charles Harrison St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church Huntsville, Texas Kessler Park United Methodist Church McKinney, Texas Garland, Texas Bishop Dan Solomon Rev. Terry Heislen Retired, The United Methodist Church Rev. James Minor First United Methodist - Sachse Abilene, Texas Axe Memorial United Methodist Church Plano, Texas Garland, Texas Bishop Robert Hibbs Pastor Thomas Downing Retired, West Texas Episcopal Diocese Pastor John Schelter First United Methodist Dallas San Antonio, Texas Our Savior Lutheran Church Richardson, Texas Garland, Texas Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Rev. Alan Clark Incarnate Word Rev. Brian Dierolf First United Methodist Church - Rockwall San Antonio, Texas First United Methodist - Grand Prairie Rockwall, Texas Grand Prairie, Texas Father Eugene Okoli Rev. Chris Dowd St. Jude Catholic Church Pastor Sarah Roberts First United Methodist Church Sherman Allen, Texas Schreiber United Methodist Church Sherman, Texas The Colony, Texas Rev. James Guest Pastor Chuck Hubbard Retired, The United Methodist Church Pastor Preston Weaver Gloria Dei Lutheran Church - Garland Carrollton, Texas Kirkwood United Methodist Church Wylie, Texas Irving, Texas Rev. Jonathan Grace Rev. Donald Brown II City Square Lama Duojom Dorjee First United Methodist Church Carrollton, Texas Karma Thegsum Choling Dallas Grand Saline, Texas Irving, Texas Rev. Jason Redick Rev. Charles Kimble Holy Covenant United Methodist Church Rev. Gregory Neal First United Methodist Church Malakoff Carrollton, Texas Northgate United Methdodist Church Malakoff, Texas Irving, Texas Rev. Carol Sparks Rev. Charles Aaron Holy Covenant United Methodist Church Pastor Mary Beth Hardesty-Crouch First United Methodist - Terrell Carrollton, Texas Vista Ridge United Methodist Church Terrell, Texas Lewisville, Texas Rev. J.D. Allen Rev. Dana Russell First United Methodist - Carrollton Rev. Andy Lewis Mesquite, Texas Carrollton, Texas First United Methodist Lewisville Lewisville, Texas Rev. David Weber Rev. Alice Coder First United Methodist - Mesquite First United Methodist - Plano Co-Pastor Isabel Marquez Mesquite, Texas Plano, Texas Cathedral of Hope Lewisville, Texas 2 Pastor Michael Baughman Rev. Wes Magruder Rev. Shelley A. Hamilton Union Kessler Park United Methodist Church Cathedral of Hope Sunnyvale, Texas Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas

Rev. Larry James Rabbi Adam M. Allenberg Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson CitySquare Temple Emanu-El Extravagance United Church of Christ (UCC) Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas

Rev. Terry P. Jones Rabbi Asher Knight Rev. Dawson B. Taylor Highland Park United Methodist Temple Emanu-El Cathedral of Hope Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas

Rev. Dr. Timothy McLemore Deacon Tim Muldoon Rev. Robert Cooper Perkins School of Theology, SMU Christ the King Catholic Church Retired, The United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas

Rev. Kerry Smith Fr. Tim Gollob Rev. Bruce Theunissen Greenland Hills United Methodist Church Pastor, Holy Cross Catholic Church Retired, Presbyterian Church USA Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas

Rev. Connie Millsap Pastor Les Chandler Rabbi Andrew Paley Kessler Park United Methodist Church Grace United Methodist Church Temple Shalom Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas

Rev. Dr. R. Ben Marshall Venerable Tashi Nyima Rev. Russell Floyd Northhaven United Methodist Church New Jonang Buddhist Community First United Methodist - Irving Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas

Rev. John Hardt Bodhisattva Monk Rinchen Tsultrim Pastor Ryan Koch Retired, The United Methodist Church New Jonang Buddhist Community Peace Mennonite Church Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas

Rev. Connie Nelson Licensed Practitioner Veronica Valles, RScP Pastor Joaquim Nascimento The United Methodist Church Centers for Spiritual Living Spring Valley United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas

Clerk Elizabeth Wolff Rabbi Nancy Ann Kasten Rev. George Battle Dallas Friends Meeting Reform Judaism Oaklawn United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas

Sister Patricia Ridgley Pastor Arthur Stewart Rev. Rachel Baughman Sisters of St. Mary of Namur Midway Hills Christian Church University Park United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas

Pastor Dawn Anderson Rev. Eric Folkerth Rabbi Ana Bonnheim Highland Park United Methodist Church Northaven United Methodist Church Reform Judaism Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas

Rev. Mitchell Boone Rabbi Brian Zimmerman Sean Briscoe White Rock United Methodist Church Union for Reform Judaism Pathways Unitarian Universalist Church Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas

Rev. Gary Kindley, D. Min. Rabbi Steve Fisch Rev. W.J. Bryan III Cathedral of Hope Congregation Beth El Binah Perkins School of Theology Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas

Rev. Kay DeBlance Rev. Peter H. McNabb Rev. Matthew Gaston Lovers Lane United Methodist Church Wheatland United Methodist Church University Park United Methodist Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas

Rev. S. Dianna Masters Pastor Alejandro De La Torre Minister Larry George St. Luke Community United Methodist Cathedral of Hope Theh United Methodist Church Church Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas 3 Rev. Jeff Hall Rev Carolyn Allbritton Rev. Jack Albright Highland Park United Methodist Church Westview United Methodist Retired, The United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas Greenville, Texas Jacksonville, Texas

Rev. Justin Hancock Rev. Steven Martinez Rev. Tom Stephenson Missional Wisdom Foundation First United Methodist - Bells First United Methodist - Jacksonville Dallas, Texas Bells, Texas Jacksonville, Texas

Dr. Frederick D Haynes, III Pastor Dyan Dietz Rev. Dr. Michael Deaton Friendship-West Baptist Church First United Methodist - Bonham Van United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas Bonham, Texas Van, Texas

Michael House Rev. Stacey Piyakhun Rev. R. Jeremiah Booker Retired, The United Methodist Church Melissa United Methodist Hamilton Park United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas Melissa, Texas Dallas, Texas

Rev. Jacob Keeya Pastor Rob Spencer Pastor Lynn L. Willhite The United Methodist Church First United Methodist Church in Paris Retired, The United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas Paris, Texas Palestine, Texas

Rev. Dr. Gayle Landis Rev. Frank Rahm Rev. Grant Barnes Lakewood United Methodist Church Marvin/Whitewright United Methodist First United Methodist Church Lufkin Dallas, Texas Whitewright, Texas Lufkin, Texas

Rev. William B. Lawrence Rev. Steven Bradley Morgan Pastor Joshua Hale Dean of Perkins School of Theology Williams Memorial United Methodist Perritte Memorial United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas Texarkana, Texas Nacogdoches, Texas

Rev. Stanley Meyer J. Marvin Weems Rev. Rick Anderson North Texas - North Louisiana Mission Area Presbyterian Church USA First United Methodist Garrison Church of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Atlanta, Texas Nacogdoches, Texas Dallas, Texas Rev. Sara Curley Rev. Gordon Johnson Rev. Mary Miriti St Andrew's United Methodist Church and New World United Methodist Church Oasis Global Mission Church - Grace United Murvaul United Methodist Church Arlington, Texas Methodist Carthage, Texas Dallas, Texas Father James Gigliotti Rev. James R. Littleton, Jr. St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church Pastor Paul Nesenne Rehobeth United Methodist Church Arlington, Texas Oasis Global Mission Church - Grace United Carthage, Texas Methodist Father Laurence Uhlman Dallas, Texas Rev. Todd Cooper St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church St. Paul's United Methodist Church Arlington, Texas Rev. Freddie B. Orr, Jr. Tyler, Texas Camp Wisdom / Glen Oaks United Methodist Rev. James O'Toole Dallas, Texas Rabbi Neal Katz Diocese of Ft Worth Congregation Beth El Bedford, Texas Rev. Gary Stephens Tyler, Texas The United Methodist Church Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker Dallas, Texas Rev. T. Randall Smith Congregation Beth Israel Marvin United Methodist Church Colleyville, Texas Rev. L. Charles Stovall Tyler, Texas Light of Love Covenant Community Church Brother Paul McMullen, T.O.R. Dallas, Texas Rev. Stephanie Hughes Good Shepherd Catholic Church Marvin United Methodist Church Colleyville, Texas Rev. John Thornburg Tyler, Texas Greenland Hills United Methodist Deacon Lynn Sowers Dallas, Texas Minister Dan L. Gillian St. Andrew Catholic Church First United Methodist - Dangerfield Cresson, Texas Rev. Becky Walker Dangerfield, Texas First United Methodist Church - Dallas Friar Thomas Fox, O.F.M. Dallas, Texas Rev. Steven C. Newcomb, Sr. Pastor Franciscan Carroll Springs United Methodist Church Crowley, Texas Carroll Springs, Texas 4 Director of Religious Education Julie Lambert Rev. Judith W. Stempel Rev. Phyliss McDougal Pathways Unitarian Universalist Church Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) First United Methodist - Fort Worth Euless, Texas Fort Worth, Texas Fort Worth, Texas

Pastor Franz Schemmel Rev. Tim Bruster Rev. Dr. Daniel F. Flores Messiah Lutheran Church First United Methodist - Fort Worth La Trinidad United Methodist Weatherford, Texas Fort Worth, Texas Fort Worth, Texas

Pastor Christopher Yanker Rev. Valerie Forstman Pastor Mark Moore Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Mission Brite Divinity School Grace Lutheran Church Area - Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fort Worth, Texas Fort Worth, Texas America Weatherford, Texas Rev. Tom McDermott Rev. Bernard Kern First United Methodist - Fort Worth Retired, Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Rev. Tony Lorenzen Fort Worth, Texas Mission Area - Evangelical Lutheran Church Pathways Unitarian Universalist Church in America Southlake, Texas Rabbi Jordan Ottenstein North Richland Hills, Texas Beth-El Congregation Sister Ines Diaz Fort Worth, Texas Rev. Dawson and Jean Tunnell Sisters of St Mary of Namur Retired, Presbyterian Church USA Fort Worth, Texas Father John Shanahan, TOR Denton, Texas Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular Rev. Gerald Gordon Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Rev. Celene Welch Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular Fort Worth, Texas Lutheran Campus Ministry Fort Worth, Texas Denton, Texas Fr. Thomas Stabile, T.O.R. Rev. Brooks Harrington Saint Andrew Catholic Parish Rev. Dr. Jeff Hood First United Methodist - Fort Worth Fort Worth, Texas Cathedral of Hope UCC Fort Worth, Texas Denton, Texas Sister Roberta Hesse Pastor Charles Johnson Sisters of St Mary of Namur Rev. Craig Hunter Bread Fellowship Fort Worth, Texas Trinity Presbyterian Fort Worth, Texas Denton, Texas Sister Charles Marie Serafino Sister Anselma Knabe Sisters of St Mary of Namur Rev. David Taylor Sisters of St Mary of Namur Fort Worth, Texas First United Methodist - Krum Fort Worth, Texas Krum, Texas Rev. J. Michael Holmberg Rev. Father Carmen Mele St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Rev. John Burton Order of Preachers, Diocese of Fort Worth Fort Worth, Texas First Christian Church Fort Worth, Texas Denton, Texas Rev. Ryan Baer Pastor Karl Travis Ridglea Presbyterian Church Rev. Martha Myre First Presbyterian Church Fort Worth, Texas The United Methodist Church Fort Worth, Texas Providence Village, Texas Pastor Janet Kraatz Rev. Andrew Wong Faith Lutheran Church Rev Mona Millard Grace Presbytery Fort Worth, Texas First United Methodist - Bowie Fort Worth, Texas Bowie, Texas Rev. Kristopher Aaron Rev. Lindsay Woods Wong Christ United Methodist Church Rev. Scott Melton Gethsemane Presbyterian Church Benbrook, Texas First United Methodist - Nocona Fort Worth, Texas Nocona, Texas Rev. Nathan Russell Rev. Mart Gayland Pool Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Rev. Georgia Harrison Retired, The Episcopal Church Fort Worth, Texas First United Methodist Church Wichita Falls Fort Worth, Texas Wichita Falls, Texas Rev. Lawrence "Larry" Grubb Rev. Dr. Robert Kenji Flowers Retired, The United Methodist Church Rev. Jack McKone Polytechnic United Methodist Church Fort Worth, Texas Sacred Heart Catholic Church Fort Worth, Texas Wichita Falls, Texas Rev. Page Hines First United Methodist - Fort Worth Fort Worth, Texas 5 Pastor Cheryl Murray Rev. Thera Freeman Rev. Tammy Heinrich Wesley United Methodist The United Methodist Church Terrace United Methodist Wichita Falls, Texas Houston, Texas Houston, Texas

Rev. Charles Luke Pastor Kathy McDougall Assistant Pastor Lemuel W. Moton Tarrant County Spiritual Care Network Zeteo Worship Gathering Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Lipan, Texas Houston, Texas Houston, Texas

Rev. Drew Weber Rev. Jasmine C. Quinerly Sr. Cecile Roeger First United Methodist - Cameron Pilgrim United Church of Christ Dominican Sisters of Houston Cameron, Texas Houston, Texas Houston, Texas

Rev. Dr. J. Andrew Fowler Rev. Wilfred Canning, C.S.B Sr. Margaret Bulmer First United Methodist Church Roman Catholic Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Killeen, Texas Houston, Texas Incarnate Word Houston, Texas Rabbi Laura Schwartz Harari Rev. Lura Groen Temple Rodef Sholom Grace Lutheran Church Rev. Ruth Seeliger Waco, Texas Houston, Texas Non-Denominational Houston, Texas Dr. Roger E. Olson Rev. Richard Wahl George W. Truett Theological Seminary Roman Catholic Rev. Taylor Fuerst Baylor University Houston, Texas Westbury United Methodist Waco, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. Carissa Baldwin-McGinnis Father Hubert Wade Jr. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Rev. David A. Roschke St. Mary Catholic Church Houston, Texas Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church Ballinger, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. James Grace Rev. Tom Gibbons St. Andrew's Episcopal Church Rev. Daniel Childs Retired, The United Methodist Church Houston, Texas The United Methodist Church Mason, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. Marilyn Meeker-Williams Rev. John Saint The United Methodist Church Rev. Beth Ellen Cooper First United Methodist Church Houston, Texas Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church San Saba, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. LyAnna Johnson Rev. Kevin Collins Servants of Christ United Methodist Church Rev. Dr. Belinda Koenig Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Houston, Texas Retired, Presbytery of New Covenant Houston, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. Lisa Hunt Rev. Joanna Crawford St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Rev. Barbara Robberson First Unitarian - Copperfield Houston, Texas West University United Methodist Houston, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. Emily Everett Pastor Jennifer Fairbanks First United Methodist - Pasadena Rev. Brian Turnbow Zeteo Worship Gathering - Disciples of Christ Houston, Texas Houston Graduate School of Theology, Houston, Texas Evangelical Covenant Church Rev. Nadine Graham Houston, Texas Rev. Martha Frances Unidos en Cristo United Methodist Christ Church Cathedral - retired Houston, Texas Pastor Stephen Rhoads Houston, Texas Lakeside United Methodist Dr. Will Reed Houston, Texas Rev. Daniel Enrique Melendez Servants of Christ United Methodist Church Iglesia Hispana Nueva Vida Houston, Texas Rev. Mark Edmiston-Lange Houston, Texas Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church Rev. Frank Richard Coats Houston, Texas Rev. Emily L. Chapman St. Matthew's United Methodist St. Paul’s United Methodist Houston, Texas Rev. Dr. Rebecca Edmiston-Lange Houston, Texas Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church Rev. Dr. Suzanne Carter Houston, Texas Rev. Eleanor Colvin The United Methodist Church St. Paul's United Methodist Houston, Texas Houston, Texas 6 Rabbi Steven Gross Rev. Glynden Bode Rev. Cheryl Smith Houston Conregation for Reform Judaism Texas Annual Conference United Methodist Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church Houston, Texas Church Huntsville, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. J. Ernest Turney Rev. Stacy Pever Anzick Bering Memorial United Methodist Rev. Harvey Clemons Magnolia United Methodist Houston, Texas Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Magnolia, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. Helen DeLeon Rev. Carroll Pickett Webster Presbyterian Church Rev. C.E. Hilliard Retired, Presbyterian Church USA Houston, Texas Addicks United Methodist Cburch Kerrville, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. Wencil Pavlovsky Rev. Lindsay Childers Kirkpatrick St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Rabbi David Lyon Montgomery United Methodist Houston, Texas Congregation Beth Israel Montgomery, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. W. Stewart MacColl Father Fred Valone Northwoods Presbyterian Church Rev. Terry Thompson St. Anne Catholic Church Houston, Texas Retired, The United Methodist Church Tomball, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. Dr. Keith Jenkins Pastor Robert E. Webb Retired, The United Methodist Church Rev. Johnnie Simpson Jr. Rose Hill United Methodist Houston, Texas Haven Chapel Tomball, Texas East Columbia, Texas Rev. Susan Buchanan Rabbi Matthew Berger Texas Annual Conference of the United Pastor William Llana Congregation Beth Shalom of Methodist Church First United Methodist - Conroe The Woodlands Houston, Texas Conroe, Texas The Woodlands, Texas

Chaplain Diana Dungy Rev. Michael Lindstrom Rev. Brian T. Wharton Good News Church First United Methodist Church - Conroe Faith United Methodist Houston, Texas Conroe, Texas Spring, Texas

Rev. David M. Pantermuehl Rev. J. Scott Moore Rev. Lisa Beth White Grace United Church of Christ First United Methodist - Conroe Faith United Methodist Houston, Texas Conroe, Texas Spring, Texas

Rev. Gerald J. DeSobe Rev. Scott Dornbush Rev. Carrie Deleon Krist Samaritan Center First United Methodist - Huntsville Klein United Methodist Houston, Texas Huntsville, Texas Spring, Texas

Rev. Mark Downs Rev. Ellen Willett Rev. Don Storey, Sr. Presbyterian Church USA First United Methodist - Huntsville The United Methodist Church Houston, Texas Huntsville, Texas Bay City, Texas

Rev. Martin Troyer Rev. Shelli Williams Pastors Linda and Setterick Allen Houston Mennonite Church First United Methodist - Cleveland New Life Community Outreach Center Houston, Texas Cleveland, Texas Brookshire, Texas

Rev. Christina Hale Rev. Dr. Donald W. Sinclair Rev. Harold Knolls Mission Bend United Methodist Coldspring United Methodist Church Cypress United Methodist Houston, Texas Coldspring, Texas Cypress, Texas

Pastor David Meeker-Williams Scott Atnip Fr. Lawrence Matula Mission Bend United Methodist Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church St Robert's Church Houston, Texas Huntsville, Texas El Campo, Texas

Stephanie Wilkins William Kleiber Rev. Nathan Bledsoe Blueridge United Methodist Executive Director, Restorative Justice St. Peter's United Methodist Houston, Texas Ministries Network Katy, Texas Huntsville, Texas Rev. John Rooney St. Angela Merici Catholic Church Missouri City, Texas 7 Rev. Catharine Cline Pastor Emily Lorraine Brown Rev. Monsignor William Manger Grace United Church of Christ Faith United Methodist Church Saint Anne Catholic Church Houston, Texas Dickinson, Texas Beaumont, Texas

Rev. Preston Morgan Rev. E.Mireya Martinez Deacon Thomas Ewing Christ United Methodist Lexington United Methodist Diocese of Beaumont Sugar Land, Texas Freeport, Texas Beaumont, Texas

Pastor Don Waybright Rev. David Bridges Rev. Dr. Connie Alexander Sugar Creek Baptist Church Friendswood Friends Church Presbyterian Church USA Sugar Land, Texas Friendswood, Texas Beaumont, Texas

Rev. Frank Catania Rev. Melody Kraus Rev. Paul Alexander Brother's Keepers Ministries First United Methodist - Pearland Presbyterian Church USA Sugar Land, Texas Friendswood, Texas Beaumont, Texas

Rev. Juanita Michelle Mathis Rabbi Marshal Klaven Retired Rev. John Alexander Progressive Open Door Christian Center B'nai Israel Presbyterian Church USA Katy, Texas Galveston, Texas Beaumont, Texas

Deacon Amy Bezecny Rev. Peter J. Cammarano Rev. Donna G. Brown Christ United Methodist Chapelwood, Lake Jackson Retired, The United Methodist Church Sugar Land, Texas Lake Jackson, Texas Beaumont, Texas

Rev. Robert J. Duggan, C.S.B. The Rev. Wesley Welborn Rev. Sharon Gazaway Congregation of St. Basil Chapelwood, Lake Jackson First Presbyterian Church, Jasper Sugar Land, Texas Lake Jackson, Texas Beaumont, Texas

Rev. Curtis Matthys Rev. Lindsey Smith Rev. Ray Nelson First United Methodist - Pasadena First United Methodist Liberty Watson Chapel Pasadena, Texas Liberty, Texas Beaumont, Texas

Rev. Keith Swatzel II Pastor Eulis Hill Rev. Ruby Nelson Sunset United Methodist Grace United Methodist Church St. Paul's United Methodist Church Pasadena, Texas Manuel, Texas Beaumont, Texas

Rev. Jack A. Womack Dr. Charles R. Millikan Rev. Francis Conroy Hope Community United Methodist St. Paul's United Methodist Church Roman Catholic Pasadena, Texas Pearland, Texas Beaumont, Texas

Rev. Thomas W. Daugherty Rev. Mark Bunch Pastor Richard Baker Retired, The United Methodist Church St. Paul United Methodist Church Retired, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pearland, Texas Bridge City, Texas America Brenham, Texas Rev. Bonnie Osteen Rev. Betty Edwards The United Methodist Church St John's United Methodist Church Rev. Phillip Fenton Pearland, Texas Port Arthur, Texas St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church Brenham, Texas Rev. Mark Fleming Rev. Joel Mora St. Mark's United Methodist Church Getsemani United Methodist Church Rev. Edward Triem Baytown, Texas Port Arthur, Texas Retired, Presbyterian Church USA Brenham, Texas Rev. Gregory Smith Minister S. Kevin King Old River Terrace United Methodist First United Methodist - Winnie Stowell Rev. Richard Nelson Channelview, Texas Winnie, Texas The Episcopal Church Burton, Texas Rev. Brandi Horton Rev. Rodney Graves Deer Park United Methodist McCabe Roberts Ave United Methodist Rev. James T. Said Deer Park, Texas Church St. Thomas Episcopal Church Beaumont, Texas College Station, Texas Pastor T. Paul Kethley Deer Park United Methodist Church Rabbi Joshua Taub Rev. Dr. Dan Deleon Deer Park, Texas Temple Emanuel Friends Congregational Church Beaumont, Texas College Station, Texas 8 Rev. Deacon Mary Lenn Dixon Sr. Teresa Carter Sister Oralia Arzola St Thomas Episcopal Church Sisters of St. Brigid Cordi-Marian Sisters College Station, Texas San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas

Elder Theresa Dougherty Rev. Thomas Heger Sister Isabel Ball United Christian Church Retired Presbyterian Pastor Congregation of Divine Providence College Station, Texas San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas

Rev. Sandi Mizirl Sister Tiolinda Marotta Sister Brenda Baradell Texas A&M Episcopal College Mission Congregation of Divine Providence Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the College Station, Texas San Antonio, Texas Incarnate Word San Antonio, Texas The Rev. Dr. Rhoda Montgomery Sister Pat Crehan St. Thomas Episcopal Church Sisters of the Holy Spirit & Mary Immaculate Sister Dorothy Batto College Station, Texas San Antonio, Texas Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Rev. Victoria Simons Sister Miriam Mitchell, S.H.Sp. San Antonio, Texas First United Methodist Church Sisters of the Holy Spirit & Mary Immaculate Somerville, Texas San Antonio, Texas Father Larry Christian St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Rev. Terrance Hayes Sister Sheila O'Sullivan San Antonio, Texas Victoria District Superintendent, Sisters of the Holy Spirit & Mary Immaculate The United Methodist Church San Antonio, Texas Sr. Germaine Corbin Victoria, Texas Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Rev. Monte Marshall Incarnate Word Rev. Wanda Ritchea Travis Park United Methodist Church San Antonio, Texas United Campus Ministry of Victoria San Antonio, Texas Victoria, Texas Sister Louise Delisi Rev. Edward Hauf, O.M.I. Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Rev. Charles Stephens St. Mary's Catholic Church San Antonio, Texas John Wesley United Methodist San Antonio, Texas Victoria, Texas Rev. Rachel Epp Miller Sister Anita Brenek, CDP San Antonio Mennonite Church Pastor Michael Mumme Congregation of Divine Providence San Antonio, Texas First United Methodist Church of Cuero San Antonio, Texas Cuero, Texas Sister Gloria Ann Fiedler, CDP Father Martin Elsner, S.J Congregation of Divine Providence Sr. Elizabeth Riebschlaeger Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church San Antonio, Texas Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the San Antonio, Texas Incarnate Word Sister Catalina Fresquez Cuero, Texas Sister Marjorie Filler Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Congregation of Divine Providence Incarnate Word Rev. Carolyn Stapleton San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas First United Methodist Church - Ganado Ganado, Texas Sister Maria Flores Sister Jane Mary Gawlik, CSSF Congregation of Divine Providence Felician Franciscan Barbara Aziz San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas Bulverde United Methodist Bulverde, Texas Sister Charlotte Kitowski Rev. Sarah Holden Conregation of Divine Providence of San University United Methodist Judy Godinez Antonio San Antonio, Texas Comal County Unitarian Universalist Society San Antonio, Texas New Braunfels, Texas Sister Carol Ann Jokerst Sister Louise Miksch Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Deacon Robert Leibrecht Congregation of Divine Providence Incarnate Word Good Shepherd Catholic Church San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas New Braunfels, Texas Sister Mary Morkovsky Sister Martha Ann Kirk, Th.d. Rev. Stephen G. Echols Congregation of Divine Providence Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Christ United Methodist Church San Antonio, Texas Incarnate Word Stockdale, Texas San Antonio, Texas Sister Patrice Sullivan Congregation of Divine Providence San Antonio, Texas 9 Sister Charlotte Kitowski, CDP Rev. Gerald Metzger Sister Dorothy Jean Young Congregation of Divine Providence Bethany Congregational United Church of Congregation of the Sisters of St Felix of San Antonio, Texas Christ Cantalice San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas Sister Lourdes Leal Congregation of Divine Providence Rabbi David Komerofsky Sister Marian Sturm, IWBS San Antonio, Texas Associate Vice President for Advancement at Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Hillel Sacrament Sister Sarah Lennon San Antonio, Texas Victoria, Texas Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Rev. David Felps Sister Anna Nguyen Kim Tuyet San Antonio, Texas Coker United Methodist Church Daughters of Mary Help of Christians San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas Sister Cathy Parent Congregation of Divine Providence Fr. Vincent Louwagie B., OMI Sister Emma Stefanoni San Antonio, Texas Oblate School of Theology Daughters of Mary Help of Christians San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas Rev. Dinah Shelly Alamo Heights United Methodist Rev. Roberto Pena, OMI Rev. Rashad Berry San Antonio, Texas Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate Canaan Missionary First Baptist Church San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas Elder Hilary Shuford Mission Presbytery Sister Virginia Clara Ruiz Rev. Robert Fiser San Antonio, Texas Guadalupanas Catechists Sisters Rio Texas Conference, San Antonio, Texas The United Methodist Church Sister Margaret Snyder Laredo, Texas Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Sister Neomi Hayes Incarnate Word Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Rev. Paul Harris San Antonio, Texas Incarnate Word Laredo United Methodist San Antonio, Texas Laredo, Texas Rabbi Samuel M. Stahl Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Beth‑ El Chief-Apostle/Bishop Rosa Wilson Sister Rose Kruppa San Antonio, Texas Greater Faith Institutional Church Congregation of Divine Providence San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas Sister Shirley Vaughn Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Rev. Charles Fredrickson Rev. Roy C Ricker Incarnate Word Lutheran Church of the Good Shepard Chaplain, Methodist Hospital San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas

Sister Grace Walle Rev. Joseph Stobaugh Rev. Lorenza Andrade Smith Daughters of Mary Immaculate Grace Avenue United Methodist Church Westlawn United Methodist San Antonio, Texas Frisco, Texas San Antonio, Texas

Sister Mary Winkle Pastor Alicia Campos Rev. Aaron Gonzalez Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Principe De Paz United Methodist Church El Divino Salvador United Methodist Church Incarnate Word San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas Sister Imelda Gonzalez Rev. Isidro Pina Rev. Robert Wright Congregation of Divine Providence Kelsey Memorial United Methodist Church Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate San Antonio, Texas Corpus Christi, Texas San Antonio, Texas Brother Brian Haldermann, S.M. Congregational Care Minister Tina Trimble Rev. Robert L. Clark, II Marianist Province of U.S. The United Methodist Church Corredor de Esperanza San Antonio, Texas San Marcos, Texas San Antonio, Texas Rev. John Manahan Rev. Beth Tatum Rev. Kelly Allen Society of Mary (Marianists) First United Methodist Church Mathis University Presbyterian Church San Antonio, Texas Mathis, Texas San Antonio, Texas Brother Gerard Sullivan, SM Rev. Mother Superior Michelle Marie Rabbi Mara Nathan Marianist Province of U.S. Kuntscher Temple Beth-El San Antonio, Texas Sisters of the Incarnate Word San Antonio, Texas Corpus Christi, Texas

10 Pastor Kristine Bair Rev. Amy Forsythe Rev. Darlene Boaz 1st Presbyterian Church First United Methodist Church St. Luke United Methodist Church Corpus Christi, Texas Georgetown, Texas Austin, Texas

Rev. Eradio Valverde Rev. Fredda Horton Minick Rev. John Elford Corpus Christi District Superintendent, The Retired, The United Methodist Church University United Methodist United Methodist Church Georgetown, Texas Austin, Texas Corpus Christi, Texas Rev. Milton S. Jordan Rev. Victoria Bailey, Retired Father Armand Mathew, OMI Retired, The United Methodist Church University United Methodist Church Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate - Georgetown, Texas Austin, Texas Oblate Fathers and Brothers (OMI) Brownsville, Texas Rev. Steve Langford Rev. John Reynolds First United Methodist Church St Luke United Methodist Deaconess Cindy Johnson Georgetown, Texas Austin, Texas El Buen Pastor Brownsville, Texas Rev. Mark Skrabacz Rev. George Ricker San Gabriel Unitarian Universalist Fellowship University United Methodist Rev. Laura K. Merrill Georgetown, Texas Austin, Texas McAllen District Superintendent, The United Methodist Church Rev. Mary Powell, Adjunct Spiritual Director Rev. Stephanie True Harlingen, Texas St. Philip's United Methodist Church University Baptist Church Round Rock, Texas Austin, Texas Rev. Jerimey Wicke First United Methodist Church of Weslaco Rev. Nancy McDougall Rev. Bob Breihan Weslaco, Texas First United Methodist-Burnet United Methodist Church Kingsland, Texas Austin, Texas Pastor Daniel Cruz Longoria La Tinidad United Methodist Terry Cortes-Vega Rev. Katy Fitzhugh Pharr, Texas Dharma Teacher - Plum Blossom Sangha Oak Hill United Methodist Church Manor, Texas Austin, Texas Pastor Marcy Garza Bethel United Methodist Rev. Jeanette Heart Rev. Bobbi Kaye Jones Raymondville, Texas First United Methodist San Marcos Tarrytown United Methodist Church San Marcos, Texas Austin, Texas Deacon Dan Wright St. Thomas More Catholic Church Rev. Sandra Londa Rev. W.B. Sandberg Austin, Texas Retired, The United Methodist Church Pastor for Senior Ministries & Congregational Wimberley, Texas Care, University United Methodist Rev. Dr. Guston Browning Austin, Texas Retired, The United Methodist Church Brother Richard Daly, CSL Cedar Park, Texas Brothers of the Holy Cross Rev. Bill Wack, CSC Austin, Texas St. Ignatius Martyr Parish and School Rev. Norman Roe Austin, Texas Retired, The United Methodist Church Rev. Barbara Ruth Cedar Park, Texas First United Methodist Church - Austin Rev. Cecile Adam Austin, Texas Congregational Church of Austin, UCC Rev. Mary Wilson Austin, Texas Church of the Savior Rev. John Wright Cedar Park, Texas First United Methodist Church - Austin Rev. Sarah Bentley Austin, Texas Congregational Church of Austin, UCC Rev. Anamae Storbeck Austin, Texas Everyone's Call Rev. Helen P. Almanza Del Valle, Texas Tarrytown United Methodist Church Rev. Dr. Whitney Bodman Austin, Texas Congregational Church of Austin Rev. Jason Fry Austin, Texas First United Methodist Church Rev. Lynn Barton Fredericksburg, Texas Westlake United Methodist Rev. Dr. John Elford Austin, Texas University United Methodist Rev. Yvonne Coon Austin, Texas First United Methodist Church Rev. Dr. Larry Bethune Georgetown, Texas University Baptist Church Rev. Glenn Noblin Austin, Texas The United Methodist Church Austin, Texas 11 Rev. Arun W. Jones Rev. Rudy England Rev. Suzanne Field Rabb Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Unity Church University United Methodist Church Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas

Father Charles Kullmann Rev. Dr. Kristina Carter Rev. Matthew Iwuji, JUD St. Austin Catholic Church Parker Lane United Methodist Church St. Albert the Great Catholic church Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas

Rabbi Susan Elizabeth Lippe Dr. Mike Renquist Deacon Jose Mendez Bible-Student, Rabbi-Educator The United Methodist Church St. Albert the Great Catholic church Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas

Rev. D. Bruce Nieli, CSP Pastor John Reynolds, Retired Rev. Susan Sprague St. Austin Catholic Church The United Methodist Church University United Methodist Church Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas

Rev. K.C. Ptomey, Jr. Rev. Judy Baskin Rev. Vincent Thanh Nguyen, CSsR Professor, Austin Presbyterian Seminary Retired, The United Methodist Church St. Albert the Great Catholic church Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas

Rabbi Samuel Rose Rabbi Rebecca Epstein Rev. Richard Bates, Retired Congregation Beth Israel Congregation Beth Israel University United Methodist Church Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas

Rabbi Daniel Septimus Rabbi Kerry Baker Rev. Cheryl Broome Executive Director, Texas Hillel at The Beth Shalom The United Methodist Church University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Rev. Sidney G. Hall, III Rev. James Carter Rev. Carol Tate Trinity United Methodist Church Retired, University United Methodist Church University Presbyterian Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Rev. David H. Jensen Sarah Macias Rev. Rusty Teeter Presbyterian Church USA Sanctuary Director, Wesley Foundation of Austin Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Rev. David Gilliam Rev. Kathryn LeVine Rev. John Yeaman Tarrytown United Methodist Church Carrizo Springs United Methodist University United Methodist Church Austin, Texas Carrizo Springs, Texas Austin, Texas Rev. Beverly Lawson Rev. Kent Kepler Rev. Ken White Disciples of Christ First United Methodist Uvalde United Christian Church Austin, Texas Utopia, Texas Austin, Texas Rev. Paul L. Escamilla Rev. Michael Peschke Rev. George Holcombe St. John's United Methodist Lexington United Methodist Church Retired, The United Methodist Church Austin, Texas Lexington, Texas Austin, Texas Rev. Dr. Orval Strong Pastor Glenn Hohlt Rev. Joel Salas Retired, The United Methodist Church St. John Lutheran Church New Ulm/Trinity The United Methodist Church Austin, Texas Lutheran Church Frelsburg Austin, Texas New Ulm, Texas Rev. Ralph L. Underwood Rabbi Rick Brody The United Methodist Church Rev. Karen Boehk Congregation Kol Halev Austin, Texas First United Methodist Church - Smithville Austin, Texas Smithville, Texas Rev. Sue Abold Rabbi Amy B. Cohen Northwest Hills United Methodist Rev. Murray Travis Temple Beth Shalom Austin, Texas Retired, Presbyterian Church USA Austin, Texas Amarillo, Texas Phillip Baker Rev. Dr. William M. Harris Plum Blossom Sangha Rev. Kevin Young St. John’s United Methodist Austin, Texas St. John's United Methodist Austin, Texas Lubbock, Texas 12 Rev. Bobby McMillan Father William Morton Father Pablo Matta Retired, The United Methodist Church Columbian Mission Center St. Jude Catholic Church Lubbock, Texas El Paso, Texas El Paso, Texas

Rev. Herb Tavenner Rev. Edward Carpenter Jr. Sr. Joan McCoy Retired, The United Methodist Church St. Joseph Parish School Sisters of St. Francis Lubbock, Texas El Paso, Texas El Paso, Texas

Rev. Mary Glover Monsignor Arturo Jose Bañuelas Rev. David Fierro St Mark's Episcopal Church St. Mark Catholic Church St. Matthew Catholic Church Abilene, Texas El Paso, Texas El Paso, Texas

Rev. Ross Whiteaker Rev. Miguel Briseno Sister Mary Kay Mahowald Branch United Methodist Church Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Sisters of St. Francis Abilene, Texas El Paso, Texas El Paso, Texas

Father James Plagens Fr. Robert F. Dueweke, O.S. A Sister Phyllis Nolan St. Ann's Catholic Church Order of St. Augustine Daughters of Charity Midland, Texas El Paso, Texas El Paso, Texas

Monsignor Bernard Gully Sr. S. Kathleen Braun, OSF Sister Priscilla Joy Ritchey Roman Catholic School Sisters of St. Francis Sisters of St. Francis Big Spring, Texas El Paso, Texas El Paso, Texas

Rev. David Mossbarger Sr. Nancy Hansen Rev. Carlos Clugy-Soto St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church School Sisters of St. Francis Desert View UCC Odessa, Texas El Paso, Texas El Paso, Texas

Father Joseph H. Uecker Sr. Frances Hicks Rev. Deborah Clugy-Soto Retired, St. Joseph Catholic Church School Sisters of St. Francis United Church of Christ Odessa, Texas El Paso, Texas El Paso, Texas

Father Mark Woodruff Pastor Antonio Lasheras Sister Emile Morgan St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church St. Therese of the Little Flower Catholic Daughters of Charity Odessa, Texas Church El Paso, Texas El Paso, Texas Rev. Tom Ramsay Desert Lotus Buddhist Community Terlingua, Texas

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