Join us in conversation with Dr. Jeff Hood who was the spiritual advisor to death row inmate Kenneth Smith who was executed Thursday, January 25, 2024, with nitrogen gas by the state of Alabama.
About the Authors
Rev. Dr. Jeff Hood
A pastor, theologian and activist living and working in Little Rock, Arkansas, the Rev. Dr. Jeff Hood is a Catholic Priest (Old Catholic), the founding Dean and The Rev. Charles Moore Professor of Prophetic Theology at The New Theology School and the Convener of Clergy United Against the Death Penalty.
Dr. Hood is a graduate of Auburn University (BA), Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv), Emory University’s Candler School of Theology (ThM), University of Alabama (MA), Creighton University (MS), Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University (DMin), the American Institute of Metaphysics (PhD) and The New Theology School (NThD). Dr. Hood has also completed international studies at Tel Aviv University (Israel) and Yonsei University (South Korea). His primary interest has always been in experimental theologies of liberation. In addition to his formal studies, Dr. Hood completed multiple units of Clinical Pastoral Education at a Level I trauma center in Fort Worth, Texas.
Dr. Hood was ordained to the ministry at the Rock Baptist Church in Rex, Georgia in 2006. Dr. Hood was incardinated into the priesthood of the Catholic Church (Old Catholic) at Saint Miriam Parish and Friary in Flourtown, Pennsylvania in 2022.
Dr. Hood is the author of over 70 books, including his infamous The Courage to Be Queer (which was named the third best religion book of 2016 at the Independent Publishers Book Awards), and countless significant articles. In addition to writing books and articles, Dr. Hood’s work has appeared extensively in the media, including in the New York Times, Dallas Morning News, Huffington Post, Fort Worth Star Telegram, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Los Angeles Times, WIRED magazine and on ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, NPR amongst a whole host of other outlets.
Dr. Hood has served in the governing leadership of multiple organizations, including the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty and Fellowship of Reconciliation USA. In 2013, Dr. Hood was awarded PFLAG Fort Worth’s Equality Award for activism and service for the LGBTQ community. In 2015, Hood was named Hope for Peace and Justice’s Ambassador of Justice for his theological activism. In 2016, Hood was named the Next Generation Action Network’s Person of the Year for his work against police brutality. In 2017, Hood was given an award from the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty for his work toward abolishing the death penalty. Currently, Dr. Hood serves on the Board of Advisers of Death Penalty Action (the most consequential protest organization dedicated specifically to abolishing the death penalty).
A participant in history, Dr. Hood organized and led the July 7, 2016 Dallas, Texas rally against police brutality that tragically ended in the shooting deaths of 5 police officers. Dr. Hood saved countless lives by using the cross he was carrying to force people away from the shooting. For multiple days, Dr. Hood did countless interviews and appearances while he and his family were under constant threat. To commemorate Dr. Hood’s role in the shooting and his wider work, the archives at the Dallas Public Library opened, “The Rev. Dr. Jeff Hood Collection.”
With three arrests, various assaults endured and thousands of miles marched, Dr. Hood is not afraid to step into the shoes of Jesus and give his body for justice.
In addition to being the husband of Emily and father of Jeff III, Phillip, Quinley Mandela, Lucas & Madeleine, Dr. Hood also maintains multiple close friendships with persons on death row.
Shane Claiborne
Shane Claiborne is a best-selling author, renowned activist, sought-after speaker, and self-proclaimed “recovering sinner.” Shane writes and speaks around the world about peacemaking, social justice, and Jesus, and is the author of several books, including “The Irresistible Revolution,” “Jesus for President,” “Executing Grace,” “Beating Guns,” and his newest book, “Rethinking Life (Feb 2023).” He is the visionary leader of The Simple Way in Philadelphia and co-director of Red Letter Christians. His work has been featured in Fox News, Esquire, SPIN, TIME, the Wall Street Journal, NPR, and CNN.
Death Penalty Action
Provides high-visibility resources, leadership, support, educational and direct action events and activities within the broader anti-death penalty movement.