Interfaith Statement of Opposition to the Death Penalty

Dear Governor Abbott, Members of the 84th Texas Legislature, and Other Elected Officials,

We, the undersigned 556 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 Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston The United Methodist Church Houston Episcopal Area Houston, Texas Plano, Texas Houston, Texas Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez Bishop J. Michael Lowry Bishop James E. Dorff Bishop of Austin The Central Texas Conference of the United Rio Texas Conference Austin, Texas Methodist Church United Methodist Church Fort Worth, Texas San Antonio, Texas Bishop Ray Tiemann Southwestern Texas Synod Bishop Earl Bledsoe Bishop Michael Rinehart Evangelical Lutheran Church in America New Mexico/Northwest Texas Annual Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod San Antonio, Texas Conferences, The United Methodist Church Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Lubbock, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. Mike Cole New Covenant Presbytery Houston, Texas

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

Bishop Joe Wilson Rev. Alice Coder Co-Pastor Isabel Marquez Retired, The United Methodist Church First United Methodist - Plano Cathedral of Hope Georgetown, Texas Plano, Texas Lewisville, Texas

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 J. Woodrow Hearn Rev. Debbie Chapman Dr. Thomas Brumett Retired, The United Methodist Church Holy Covenant United Methodist Church of First United Methodist McKinney Galveston, Texas Carrollton McKinney, Texas Plano, Texas Ann Sherer-Simpson Rev. Clay Horton Retired Bishop, United Methodist Church Rev. Frank Denner III Christ United Methodist Church Trinity, Texas Custer Road United Methodist McKinney, Texas Plano, Texas Bishop John Russell Deacon Victor Machiano Retired, The United Methodist Church Rev. Wally Butts St Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church Fort Worth, Texas Cornerstone United Methodist McKinney, Texas Plano, Texas Bishop Ben Chamness Rev. Woodrow Weilage Retired, The United Methodist Church Deacon Art Tiongson Retired, The United Methodist Church Huntsville, Texas St. Gabriel Catholic Church McKinney, Texas Frisco, Texas Bishop Dan Solomon Rev. Don Zeiler Retired, The United Methodist Church Pastor Charles Harrison St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church Abilene, Texas Kessler Park United Methodist Church McKinney, Texas Garland, Texas Bishop D. Max Whitfield Rev. Terry Heislen Retired, The United Methodist Church Rev. James Minor First United Methodist - Sachse Richardson, 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 2 Rev. David Weber Rev. S. Dianna Masters Pastor Alejandro De La Torre First United Methodist - Mesquite St. Luke Community Cathedral of Hope Mesquite, Texas United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Pastor Michael Baughman Rev. Shelley A. Hamilton Union Rev. Wes Magruder Cathedral of Hope Sunnyvale, Texas Kessler Park United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Rev. Larry James Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson CitySquare Rabbi Adam M. Allenberg Extravagance United Church of Christ (UCC) Dallas, Texas Temple Emanu-El Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Rev. Terry P. Jones Rev. Dawson B. Taylor Highland Park United Methodist Rabbi Asher Knight Cathedral of Hope Dallas, Texas Temple Emanu-El Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Rev. Dr. Timothy McLemore Rev. Robert Cooper Perkins School of Theology, SMU Deacon Tim Muldoon Retired, The United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas Christ the King Catholic Church Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Rev. Kerry Smith Rev. Bruce Theunissen Greenland Hills United Methodist Church Fr. Tim Gollob Retired, Presbyterian Church USA Dallas, Texas Pastor, Holy Cross Catholic Church Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Rev. Connie Millsap Rabbi Andrew Paley Kessler Park United Methodist Church Pastor Les Chandler Temple Shalom Dallas, Texas Grace United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Rev. Dr. R. Ben Marshall Rev. Russell Floyd Northhaven United Methodist Church Venerable Tashi Nyima First United Methodist - Irving Dallas, Texas New Jonang Buddhist Community Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Rev. John Hardt Pastor Ryan Koch Retired, The United Methodist Church Bodhisattva Monk Rinchen Tsultrim Peace Mennonite Church Dallas, Texas New Jonang Buddhist Community Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Rev. Connie Nelson Pastor Joaquim Nascimento The United Methodist Church Licensed Practitioner Veronica Valles, RScP Spring Valley United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas Centers for Spiritual Living Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Clerk Elizabeth Wolff Rev. George Battle Dallas Friends Meeting Rabbi Nancy Ann Kasten Oaklawn United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas Reform Judaism Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Sister Patricia Ridgley Rev. Rachel Baughman Sisters of St. Mary of Namur Pastor Arthur Stewart University Park United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas Midway Hills Christian Church Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Pastor Dawn Anderson Rabbi Ana Bonnheim Highland Park United Methodist Church Rev. Eric Folkerth Reform Judaism Dallas, Texas Northaven United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Rev. Mitchell Boone Sean Briscoe White Rock United Methodist Church Rabbi Brian Zimmerman Pathways Unitarian Universalist Church Dallas, Texas Union for Reform Judaism Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Rev. Gary Kindley, D. Min. Rev. W.J. Bryan III Cathedral of Hope Rabbi Steve Fisch Perkins School of Theology Dallas, Texas Congregation Beth El Binah Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Rev. Kay DeBlance Rev. Matthew Gaston Lovers Lane United Methodist Church Rev. Peter H. McNabb University Park United Methodist Dallas, Texas Wheatland United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas 3 Minister Larry George Rev. Becky Walker Rev. Steven C. Newcomb, Sr. Pastor Theh United Methodist Church First United Methodist Church - Dallas Carroll Springs United Methodist Church Dallas, Texas Dallas, Texas Carroll Springs, Texas

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 Dangerfield, Texas 4 Friar Thomas Fox, O.F.M. Rev. Dr. Robert Kenji Flowers Rev. Page Hines Franciscan Polytechnic United Methodist Church First United Methodist - Fort Worth Crowley, Texas Fort Worth, Texas Fort Worth, Texas

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

Pastor Cheryl Murray Rev. Daniel Enrique Melendez Dr. Will Reed Wesley United Methodist Iglesia Hispana Nueva Vida Servants of Christ United Methodist Church Wichita Falls, Texas Houston, Texas Houston, Texas

Rev. Charles Luke Rev. Emily L. Chapman Rev. Frank Richard Coats Tarrant County Spiritual Care Network St. Paul’s United Methodist St. Matthew's United Methodist Lipan, Texas Houston, Texas Houston, Texas

Rev. Drew Weber Rev. Eleanor Colvin Rev. Dr. Suzanne Carter First United Methodist - Cameron St. Paul's United Methodist The United Methodist Church Cameron, Texas Houston, Texas Houston, Texas

Rev. Dr. J. Andrew Fowler Rev. Thera Freeman Rev. Tammy Heinrich First United Methodist Church The United Methodist Church Terrace United Methodist Killeen, Texas Houston, Texas Houston, Texas

Rabbi Laura Schwartz Harari Pastor Kathy McDougall Assistant Pastor Lemuel W. Moton Temple Rodef Sholom Zeteo Worship Gathering Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Waco, Texas Houston, Texas Houston, Texas

Dr. Roger E. Olson Rev. Jasmine C. Quinerly Sr. Cecile Roeger George W. Truett Theological Seminary Pilgrim United Church of Christ Dominican Sisters of Houston Baylor University Houston, Texas Houston, Texas Waco, Texas Rev. Wilfred Canning, C.S.B Sr. Margaret Bulmer Father Hubert Wade Jr. Roman Catholic Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the St. Mary Catholic Church Houston, Texas Incarnate Word Ballinger, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. Lura Groen Rev. Tom Gibbons Grace Lutheran Church Rev. Ruth Seeliger Retired, The United Methodist Church Houston, Texas Non-Denominational Mason, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. Richard Wahl Rev. John Saint Roman Catholic Rev. Taylor Fuerst First United Methodist Church Houston, Texas Westbury United Methodist San Saba, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. Carissa Baldwin-McGinnis Rev. Timothy Boeglin St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Rev. David A. Roschke Central United Methodist Church Houston, Texas Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church Brownwood, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. James Grace Rev. Kevin Collins St. Andrew's Episcopal Church Rev. Daniel Childs Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Houston, Texas The United Methodist Church Houston, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. Marilyn Meeker-Williams Rev. Joanna Crawford The United Methodist Church Rev. Beth Ellen Cooper First Unitarian - Copperfield Houston, Texas Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church Houston, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. LyAnna Johnson Rev. Dr. Michael T. Dunn Servants of Christ United Methodist Church Rev. Dr. Belinda Koenig First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Houston, Texas Retired, Presbytery of New Covenant Houston, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. Lisa Hunt Pastor Jennifer Fairbanks St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Rev. Barbara Robberson Zeteo Worship Gathering - Disciples of Christ Houston, Texas West University United Methodist Houston, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. Emily Everett First United Methodist - Pasadena Houston, Texas

6 Rev. Brian Turnbow Rev. Martin Troyer Rev. Shelli Williams Houston Graduate School of Theology, Houston Mennonite Church First United Methodist - Cleveland Evangelical Covenant Church Houston, Texas Cleveland, Texas Houston, Texas Rev. Christina Hale Rev. Dr. Donald W. Sinclair Pastor Stephen Rhoads Mission Bend United Methodist Coldspring United Methodist Church Lakeside United Methodist Houston, Texas Coldspring, Texas Houston, Texas Pastor David Meeker-Williams Scott Atnip Rev. Mark Edmiston-Lange Mission Bend United Methodist Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church Houston, Texas Huntsville, Texas Houston, Texas Stephanie Wilkins William Kleiber Rev. Dr. Rebecca Edmiston-Lange Blueridge United Methodist Executive Director, Restorative Justice Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church Houston, Texas Ministries Network Houston, Texas Huntsville, Texas Rev. Glynden Bode Rabbi Steven Gross Texas Annual Conference Rev. Cheryl Smith Houston Conregation for Reform Judaism United Methodist Church Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church Houston, Texas Houston, Texas Huntsville, Texas

Rev. J. Ernest Turney Father Gary Brewton Rev. Stacy Pever Anzick Bering Memorial United Methodist Orthodox Catholic Church Magnolia United Methodist Houston, Texas Houston, Texas Magnolia, Texas

Rev. Helen DeLeon Rev. Harvey Clemons Rev. Rhett Ansley Webster Presbyterian Church Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Wildwood United Methodist Church Houston, Texas Houston, Texas Magnolia, Texas

Rev. Wencil Pavlovsky Rev. C.E. Hilliard Rev. Lindsay Childers Kirkpatrick St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Addicks United Methodist Cburch Montgomery United Methodist Houston, Texas Houston, Texas Montgomery, Texas

Rev. W. Stewart MacColl Rabbi David Lyon Father Fred Valone Northwoods Presbyterian Church Congregation Beth Israel St. Anne Catholic Church Houston, Texas Houston, Texas Tomball, Texas

Rev. Dr. Keith Jenkins Rev. Terry Thompson Pastor Robert E. Webb Retired, The United Methodist Church Retired, The United Methodist Church Rose Hill United Methodist Houston, Texas Houston, Texas Tomball, Texas

Rev. Susan Buchanan Rev. Johnnie Simpson Jr. Rabbi Matthew Berger Texas Annual Conference of the United Haven Chapel Congregation Beth Shalom of Methodist Church East Columbia, Texas The Woodlands Houston, Texas The Woodlands, Texas Pastor William Llana Chaplain Diana Dungy First United Methodist - Conroe Rev. Brian T. Wharton Good News Church Conroe, Texas Faith United Methodist Houston, Texas Spring, Texas Rev. Michael Lindstrom Rev. David M. Pantermuehl First United Methodist Church - Conroe Rev. Lisa Beth White Grace United Church of Christ Conroe, Texas Faith United Methodist Houston, Texas Spring, Texas Rev. J. Scott Moore Rev. Gerald J. DeSobe First United Methodist - Conroe Rev. Carrie Deleon Krist Samaritan Center Conroe, Texas Klein United Methodist Houston, Texas Spring, Texas Rev. Scott Dornbush Rev. Mark Downs First United Methodist - Huntsville Rev. Don Storey, Sr. Presbyterian Church USA Huntsville, Texas The United Methodist Church Houston, Texas Bay City, Texas Rev. Ellen Willett First United Methodist - Huntsville Huntsville, Texas 7 Pastors Linda and Setterick Allen Rev. Bonnie Osteen Rev. Betty Edwards New Life Community Outreach Center The United Methodist Church St John's United Methodist Church Brookshire, Texas Pearland, Texas Port Arthur, Texas

Rev. Harold Knolls Rev. Mark Fleming Rev. Joel Mora Cypress United Methodist St. Mark's United Methodist Church Getsemani United Methodist Church Cypress, Texas Baytown, Texas Port Arthur, Texas

Fr. Lawrence Matula Rev. Gregory Smith Minister S. Kevin King St Robert's Church Old River Terrace United Methodist First United Methodist - Winnie Stowell El Campo, Texas Channelview, Texas Winnie, Texas

Rev. Nathan Bledsoe Rev. Brandi Horton Rev. Rodney Graves St. Peter's United Methodist Deer Park United Methodist McCabe Roberts Ave United Methodist Katy, Texas Deer Park, Texas Church Beaumont, Texas Rev. John Rooney Pastor T. Paul Kethley St. Angela Merici Catholic Church Deer Park United Methodist Church Rabbi Joshua Taub Missouri City, Texas Deer Park, Texas Temple Emanuel Beaumont, Texas Rev. Catharine Cline Pastor Emily Lorraine Brown Grace United Church of Christ Faith United Methodist Church Rev. Monsignor William Manger Houston, Texas Dickinson, Texas Saint Anne Catholic Church Beaumont, Texas Rev. Preston Morgan Rev. E.Mireya Martinez Christ United Methodist Lexington United Methodist Deacon Thomas Ewing Sugar Land, Texas Freeport, Texas Diocese of Beaumont Beaumont, Texas Pastor Don Waybright Rev. David Bridges Sugar Creek Baptist Church Friendswood Friends Church Rev. Dr. Connie Alexander Sugar Land, Texas Friendswood, Texas Presbyterian Church USA Beaumont, Texas Rev. Frank Catania Rev. Melody Kraus Brother's Keepers Ministries First United Methodist - Pearland Rev. Paul Alexander Sugar Land, Texas Friendswood, Texas Presbyterian Church USA Beaumont, Texas Rev. Juanita Michelle Mathis Rabbi Marshal Klaven Progressive Open Door Christian Center B'nai Israel Retired Rev. John Alexander Katy, Texas Galveston, Texas Presbyterian Church USA Beaumont, Texas Deacon Amy Bezecny Rev. Peter J. Cammarano Christ United Methodist Chapelwood, Lake Jackson Rev. Donna G. Brown Sugar Land, Texas Lake Jackson, Texas Retired, The United Methodist Church Beaumont, Texas Rev. Robert J. Duggan, C.S.B. The Rev. Wesley Welborn Congregation of St. Basil Chapelwood, Lake Jackson Rev. Sharon Gazaway Sugar Land, Texas Lake Jackson, Texas First Presbyterian Church, Jasper Beaumont, Texas Rev. Curtis Matthys Rev. Lindsey Smith First United Methodist - Pasadena First United Methodist Liberty Rev. Ray Nelson Pasadena, Texas Liberty, Texas Watson Chapel Beaumont, Texas Rev. Keith Swatzel II Pastor Eulis Hill Sunset United Methodist Grace United Methodist Church Rev. Ruby Nelson Pasadena, Texas Manuel, Texas St. Paul's United Methodist Church Beaumont, Texas Rev. Jack A. Womack Dr. Charles R. Millikan Hope Community United Methodist St. Paul's United Methodist Church Rev. Francis Conroy Pasadena, Texas Pearland, Texas Roman Catholic Beaumont, Texas Rev. Thomas W. Daugherty Rev. Mark Bunch Retired, The United Methodist Church St. Paul United Methodist Church Pearland, Texas Bridge City, Texas

8 Pastor Richard Baker Sr. Elizabeth Riebschlaeger Father Martin Elsner, S.J Retired, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church America Incarnate Word San Antonio, Texas Brenham, Texas Cuero, Texas Sister Marjorie Filler Rev. Phillip Fenton Rev. Carolyn Stapleton Congregation of Divine Providence St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church First United Methodist Church - Ganado San Antonio, Texas Brenham, Texas Ganado, Texas Sister Maria Flores Rev. Edward Triem Rev. Carroll Pickett Congregation of Divine Providence Retired, Presbyterian Church USA Retired, Presbyterian Church USA San Antonio, Texas Brenham, Texas Kerrville, Texas Sister Charlotte Kitowski Rev. Richard Nelson Barbara Aziz Conregation of Divine Providence of San The Episcopal Church Bulverde United Methodist Antonio Burton, Texas Bulverde, Texas San Antonio, Texas

Rev. James T. Said Judy Godinez Sister Louise Miksch St. Thomas Episcopal Church Comal County Unitarian Universalist Society Congregation of Divine Providence College Station, Texas New Braunfels, Texas San Antonio, Texas

Rev. Dr. Dan Deleon Deacon Robert Leibrecht Sister Mary Morkovsky Friends Congregational Church Good Shepherd Catholic Church Congregation of Divine Providence College Station, Texas New Braunfels, Texas San Antonio, Texas

Rev. Deacon Mary Lenn Dixon Rev. Stephen G. Echols Sister Patrice Sullivan St Thomas Episcopal Church Christ United Methodist Church Congregation of Divine Providence College Station, Texas Stockdale, Texas San Antonio, Texas

Elder Theresa Dougherty Sr. Teresa Carter Sister Oralia Arzola United Christian Church Sisters of St. Brigid Cordi-Marian Sisters College Station, Texas San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas

Rev. Sandi Mizirl Rev. Thomas Heger Sister Isabel Ball Texas A&M Episcopal College Mission Retired Presbyterian Pastor Congregation of Divine Providence College Station, Texas San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas

The Rev. Dr. Rhoda Montgomery Sister Tiolinda Marotta Sister Brenda Baradell St. Thomas Episcopal Church Congregation of Divine Providence Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the College Station, Texas San Antonio, Texas Incarnate Word San Antonio, Texas Rev. Victoria Simons Sister Pat Crehan First United Methodist Church Sisters of the Holy Spirit & Mary Immaculate Sister Dorothy Batto Somerville, Texas San Antonio, Texas Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Rev. Terrance Hayes Sister Miriam Mitchell, S.H.Sp. San Antonio, Texas Victoria District Superintendent, Sisters of the Holy Spirit & Mary Immaculate The United Methodist Church San Antonio, Texas Father Larry Christian Victoria, Texas St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Sister Sheila O'Sullivan San Antonio, Texas Rev. Wanda Ritchea Sisters of the Holy Spirit & Mary Immaculate United Campus Ministry of Victoria San Antonio, Texas Sr. Germaine Corbin Victoria, Texas Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Rev. Monte Marshall Incarnate Word Rev. Charles Stephens Travis Park United Methodist Church San Antonio, Texas John Wesley United Methodist San Antonio, Texas Victoria, Texas Sister Louise Delisi Rev. Edward Hauf, O.M.I. Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Pastor Michael Mumme St. Mary's Catholic Church San Antonio, Texas First United Methodist Church of Cuero San Antonio, Texas Cuero, Texas Rev. Rachel Epp Miller Sister Anita Brenek, CDP San Antonio Mennonite Church Congregation of Divine Providence San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas 9 Sister Gloria Ann Fiedler, CDP Sister Shirley Vaughn Chief-Apostle/Bishop Rosa Wilson Congregation of Divine Providence Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Greater Faith Institutional Church San Antonio, Texas Incarnate Word San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas Sister Catalina Fresquez Rev. Charles Fredrickson Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Sister Grace Walle Lutheran Church of the Good Shepard Incarnate Word Daughters of Mary Immaculate San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas Rev. Joseph Stobaugh Sister Jane Mary Gawlik, CSSF Sister Mary Winkle Grace Avenue United Methodist Church Felician Franciscan Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Frisco, Texas San Antonio, Texas Incarnate Word San Antonio, Texas Pastor Alicia Campos Rev. Sarah Holden Principe De Paz United Methodist Church University United Methodist Rev. Robert Wright San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate San Antonio, Texas Sister Imelda Gonzalez Sister Carol Ann Jokerst Congregation of Divine Providence Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Rev. Robert L. Clark, II San Antonio, Texas Incarnate Word Corredor de Esperanza San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas Brother Brian Haldermann, S.M. Marianist Province of U.S. Sister Martha Ann Kirk, Th.d. Rev. Kelly Allen San Antonio, Texas Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the University Presbyterian Church Incarnate Word San Antonio, Texas Rev. John Manahan San Antonio, Texas Society of Mary (Marianists) Rabbi Mara Nathan San Antonio, Texas Sister Charlotte Kitowski, CDP Temple Beth-El Congregation of Divine Providence San Antonio, Texas Brother Gerard Sullivan, SM San Antonio, Texas Marianist Province of U.S. Rev. Gerald Metzger San Antonio, Texas Sister Lourdes Leal Bethany Congregational United Church of Congregation of Divine Providence Christ Sister Dorothy Jean Young San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas Congregation of the Sisters of St Felix of Cantalice Sister Sarah Lennon Rabbi David Komerofsky San Antonio, Texas Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Associate Vice President for Advancement Incarnate Word at Hillel Sister Marian Sturm, IWBS San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament Sister Cathy Parent Rev. David Felps Victoria, Texas Congregation of Divine Providence Coker United Methodist Church San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas Sister Anna Nguyen Kim Tuyet Daughters of Mary Help of Christians Rev. Dinah Shelly Fr. Vincent Louwagie B., OMI San Antonio, Texas Alamo Heights United Methodist Oblate School of Theology San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas Sister Emma Stefanoni Daughters of Mary Help of Christians Elder Hilary Shuford Rev. Roberto Pena, OMI San Antonio, Texas Mission Presbytery Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas Rev. Rashad Berry Canaan Missionary First Baptist Church Sister Margaret Snyder Sister Virginia Clara Ruiz San Antonio, Texas Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Guadalupanas Catechists Sisters Incarnate Word San Antonio, Texas Rev. Robert Fiser San Antonio, Texas Rio Texas Conference, Sister Neomi Hayes The United Methodist Church Rabbi Samuel M. Stahl Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Laredo, Texas Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Beth‑ El Incarnate Word San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas Rev. Paul Harris Laredo United Methodist Laredo, Texas

10 Sister Rose Kruppa Pastor Marcy Garza Rev. Jeanette Heart Congregation of Divine Providence Bethel United Methodist First United Methodist San Marcos San Antonio, Texas Raymondville, Texas San Marcos, Texas

Rev. Roy C Ricker Deacon Dan Wright Rev. Sandra Londa Chaplain, Methodist Hospital St. Thomas More Catholic Church Retired, The United Methodist Church San Antonio, Texas Austin, Texas Wimberley, Texas

Rev. Lorenza Andrade Smith Rev. Dr. Guston Browning Brother Richard Daly, CSL Westlawn United Methodist Retired, The United Methodist Church Brothers of the Holy Cross San Antonio, Texas Cedar Park, Texas Austin, Texas

Rev. Aaron Gonzalez Rev. Norman Roe Rev. Barbara Ruth El Divino Salvador United Methodist Church Retired, The United Methodist Church First United Methodist Church - Austin San Antonio, Texas Cedar Park, Texas Austin, Texas

Rev. Isidro Pina Rev. Mary Wilson Rev. John Wright Kelsey Memorial United Methodist Church Church of the Savior First United Methodist Church - Austin Corpus Christi, Texas Cedar Park, Texas Austin, Texas

Congregational Care Minister Tina Trimble Rev. Anamae Storbeck Rev. Helen P. Almanza The United Methodist Church Everyone's Call Tarrytown United Methodist Church San Marcos, Texas Del Valle, Texas Austin, Texas

Rev. Beth Tatum Rev. Jason Fry Rev. Lynn Barton First United Methodist Church Mathis First United Methodist Church Westlake United Methodist Mathis, Texas Fredericksburg, Texas Austin, Texas

Rev. Mother Superior Michelle Marie Rev. Yvonne Coon Rev. Dr. Larry Bethune Kuntscher First United Methodist Church University Baptist Church Sisters of the Incarnate Word Georgetown, Texas Austin, Texas Corpus Christi, Texas Rev. Amy Forsythe Rev. Darlene Boaz Pastor Kristine Bair First United Methodist Church St. Luke United Methodist Church 1st Presbyterian Church Georgetown, Texas Austin, Texas Corpus Christi, Texas Rev. Fredda Horton Minick Rev. John Elford Rev. Eradio Valverde Retired, The United Methodist Church University United Methodist Corpus Christi District Superintendent, The Georgetown, Texas Austin, Texas United Methodist Church Corpus Christi, Texas Rev. Milton S. Jordan Rev. Victoria Bailey, Retired Retired, The United Methodist Church University United Methodist Church Father Armand Mathew, OMI Georgetown, Texas Austin, Texas Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate - Oblate Fathers and Brothers (OMI) Rev. Steve Langford Rev. John Reynolds Brownsville, Texas First United Methodist Church St Luke United Methodist Georgetown, Texas Austin, Texas Deaconess Cindy Johnson El Buen Pastor Rev. Mark Skrabacz Rev. George Ricker Brownsville, Texas San Gabriel Unitarian Universalist Fellowship University United Methodist Georgetown, Texas Austin, Texas Rev. Laura K. Merrill McAllen District Superintendent, Rev. Mary Powell, Adjunct Spiritual Director Rev. Stephanie True The United Methodist Church St. Philip's United Methodist Church University Baptist Church Harlingen, Texas Round Rock, Texas Austin, Texas

Rev. Jerimey Wicke Rev. Nancy McDougall Rev. Bob Breihan First United Methodist Church of Weslaco First United Methodist-Burnet United Methodist Church Weslaco, Texas Kingsland, Texas Austin, Texas

Pastor Daniel Cruz Longoria Terry Cortes-Vega Rev. Katy Fitzhugh La Tinidad United Methodist Dharma Teacher - Plum Blossom Sangha Oak Hill United Methodist Church Pharr, Texas Manor, Texas Austin, Texas

11 Rev. Bobbi Kaye Jones Rev. Carol Tate Rev. Sidney G. Hall, III Tarrytown United Methodist Church University Presbyterian Trinity United Methodist Church Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas

Rev. W.B. Sandberg Rev. Rusty Teeter Rev. David H. Jensen Pastor for Senior Ministries & Congregational Director, Wesley Foundation of Austin Presbyterian Church USA Care, University United Methodist Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Rev. John Yeaman Rev. David Gilliam Rev. Bill Wack, CSC University United Methodist Church Tarrytown United Methodist Church St. Ignatius Martyr Parish and School Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Rev. Ken White Rev. Beverly Lawson Rev. Cecile Adam United Christian Church Disciples of Christ Congregational Church of Austin, UCC Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Rev. George Holcombe Rev. Paul L. Escamilla Rev. Sarah Bentley Retired, The United Methodist Church St. John's United Methodist Congregational Church of Austin, UCC Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Rev. Joel Salas Rev. Dr. Orval Strong Rev. Dr. Whitney Bodman The United Methodist Church Retired, The United Methodist Church Congregational Church of Austin Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Rabbi Rick Brody Rev. Ralph L. Underwood Rev. Dr. John Elford Congregation Kol Halev The United Methodist Church University United Methodist Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Rabbi Amy B. Cohen Rev. Sue Abold Rev. Glenn Noblin Temple Beth Shalom Northwest Hills United Methodist The United Methodist Church Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Rev. Dr. William M. Harris Phillip Baker Rev. Arun W. Jones St. John’s United Methodist Plum Blossom Sangha Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Rev. Rudy England Rev. Suzanne Field Rabb Father Charles Kullmann Unity Church University United Methodist Church St. Austin Catholic Church Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Rev. Dr. Kristina Carter Rev. Matthew Iwuji, JUD Rabbi Susan Elizabeth Lippe Parker Lane United Methodist Church St. Albert the Great Catholic church Bible-Student, Rabbi-Educator Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Dr. Mike Renquist Deacon Jose Mendez Rev. D. Bruce Nieli, CSP The United Methodist Church St. Albert the Great Catholic church St. Austin Catholic Church Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Pastor John Reynolds, Retired Rev. Susan Sprague Rev. K.C. Ptomey, Jr. The United Methodist Church University United Methodist Church Professor, Austin Presbyterian Seminary Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Rev. Judy Baskin Rev. Vincent Thanh Nguyen, CSsR Rabbi Samuel Rose Retired, The United Methodist Church St. Albert the Great Catholic church Congregation Beth Israel Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Austin, Texas Rabbi Rebecca Epstein Rev. Richard Bates, Retired Rabbi Daniel Septimus Congregation Beth Israel University United Methodist Church Executive Director, Texas Hillel at The Austin, Texas Austin, Texas University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas Rabbi Kerry Baker Rev. Cheryl Broome Beth Shalom The United Methodist Church Austin, Texas Austin, Texas

12 Rev. James Carter Rev. Ross Whiteaker Sr. Nancy Hansen Retired, University United Methodist Church Branch United Methodist Church School Sisters of St. Francis Austin, Texas Abilene, Texas El Paso, Texas

Sarah Macias Father James Plagens Sr. Frances Hicks Sanctuary St. Ann's Catholic Church School Sisters of St. Francis Austin, Texas Midland, Texas El Paso, Texas

Rev. Kathryn LeVine Monsignor Bernard Gully Pastor Antonio Lasheras Carrizo Springs United Methodist Roman Catholic St. Therese of the Little Flower Carrizo Springs, Texas Big Spring, Texas Catholic Church El Paso, Texas Rev. Kent Kepler Rev. David Mossbarger First United Methodist Uvalde St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church Father Pablo Matta Utopia, Texas Odessa, Texas St. Jude Catholic Church El Paso, Texas Rev. Michael Peschke Father Joseph H. Uecker Lexington United Methodist Church Retired, St. Joseph Catholic Church Sr. Joan McCoy Lexington, Texas Odessa, Texas School Sisters of St. Francis El Paso, Texas Pastor Glenn Hohlt Father Mark Woodruff St. John Lutheran Church New Ulm/Trinity St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church Rev. David Fierro Lutheran Church Frelsburg Odessa, Texas St. Matthew Catholic Church New Ulm, Texas El Paso, Texas Rev. Tom Ramsay Rev. Karen Boehk Desert Lotus Buddhist Community Sister Mary Kay Mahowald First United Methodist Church - Smithville Terlingua, Texas Sisters of St. Francis Smithville, Texas El Paso, Texas Father William Morton Rev. Murray Travis Columbian Mission Center Sister Phyllis Nolan Retired, Presbyterian Church USA El Paso, Texas Daughters of Charity Amarillo, Texas El Paso, Texas Rev. Edward Carpenter Jr. Rev. Kevin Young St. Joseph Parish Sister Priscilla Joy Ritchey St. John's United Methodist El Paso, Texas Sisters of St. Francis Lubbock, Texas El Paso, Texas Monsignor Arturo Jose Bañuelas Rev. Bobby McMillan St. Mark Catholic Church Rev. Carlos Clugy-Soto Retired, The United Methodist Church El Paso, Texas Desert View UCC Lubbock, Texas El Paso, Texas Rev. Miguel Briseno Rev. Herb Tavenner Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Rev. Deborah Clugy-Soto Retired, The United Methodist Church El Paso, Texas United Church of Christ Lubbock, Texas El Paso, Texas Fr. Robert F. Dueweke, O.S. A Rev. Mary Glover Order of St. Augustine Sister Emile Morgan St Mark's Episcopal Church El Paso, Texas Daughters of Charity Abilene, Texas El Paso, Texas Sr. S. Kathleen Braun, OSF School Sisters of St. Francis El Paso, Texas

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