Red Letter Christians

RLC January Book Club: "Martyrs to the Unspeakable: The Assassinations of JFK, Malcolm, Martin, and RFK", by Jim Douglass
2026-01-27 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Martyrs to the Unspeakable: The Assassinations of JFK, Malcolm, Martin, and RFK by peace activist and writer James Douglass.
In this timely and deeply researched work, Douglass connects four of the most consequential assassinations of the 1960s, arguing that leaders who made prophetic commitments to peace and social transformation were ultimately viewed as enemies of the state. He explores how these deaths were not isolated tragedies, but part of a larger effort to suppress a rising global movement for justice and peace.
Co-hosted by Shane Claiborne and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, this conversation wrestles with the book’s central questions: What does this hidden history reveal about power, violence, and resistance—and how might recovering these stories help us continue the unfinished work of peace today?
Watch the Conversation

About the Book
Peace activist and writer James Douglass follows up his bestselling JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died and Why It Matters with a new work connecting JFK’s death with three other earthshaking assassinations of the 1960s.
In Martyrs to the Unspeakable (Orbis Books, 2025), Douglass posits that American figures who made prophetic commitments to peace and social transformation were regarded as enemies of the state who had to be eliminated. He demonstrates how the template for JFK’s death was enacted in the deaths of Bobby Kennedy, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Douglass believes this hidden history holds a key to recovering and advancing their mission and setting our country and the world on a path to peace.

February 2026 Monthly Morning Prayer with Latasha Morrison
2026-02-01 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | https://redletterchristians.org/event/february-2026-monthly-morning-prayer-with-latasha-morrison/
Join us for a morning prayer with author, leader, and change agent Latasha Morrison.
Latasha Morrison is a New York Times best-selling author and the founder of Be the Bridge, a nonprofit organization empowering people and culture toward racial healing, equity, and reconciliation. Her influential book, Be the Bridge, has become a guiding resource for individuals and communities working toward a future free from racial division.
Her newest book, Brown Faces, White Spaces: Confronting Systemic Racism to Bring Healing and Restoration, continues that work by exploring what it means to recognize and confess the truth about inequities in the system (preparation), commit ourselves to changing the system (dedication), and move into true freedom as a society (liberation).
Through her writing, speaking, and organizational leadership, Latasha Morrison continues to ignite conversations, challenge societal norms, and empower others to increase racial literacy and pursue racial justice.
📖 Resources & Links

Brown Faces, White Spaces: Confronting Systemic Racism to Bring Healing and Restoration
Be The Bridge Website
Be The Bridge Course Catalogue
Be The Bridge Community Platform
Latasha Morrison’s Website

Ash Wednesday virtual practicum with Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb and Common Hymnal friends
2026-02-18 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
As part of our Peace Communion project, we invite you to join us for a virtual practicum on Ash Wednesday, Feb 18 @ 11am ET featuring Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb and friends with Common Hymnal.
This program is made possible through a Vital Worship Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.
—
Mentioned in This Livestream
📖 Books & Resources
RLC’s 40 Days 40 Ways
Peace Communion Set
Outside the USA? Send us a message and we’ll help you get the Peace Communion Set or any other books and materials you’re interested in.
✍️ Mitri Raheb
Visit Mitri’s website at mitriraheb.org. Check out Shane’s favorite books by Mitri:

Decolonizing Palestine
Faith in the Face of Empire

🕊️ Gaza

God Loves Gaza
Shop our Gaza support collection

🎵 Music
Check out Phillip and Common Hymnal. Watch “The Kingdom is Yours”
📅 Stay Connected
View our calendar and join us for Monthly Morning Prayers, Book Clubs, and more.
💬 Share Your Feedback
We’d be so grateful for your feedback on this practicum! Take our short survey — it should take less than 5 minutes.

RLC February Book Club: Dave Gibbons "The Shape of My Eyes"
2026-02-23 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Red Letter Christians Book Club discusses The Shape of My Eyes with author Dave Gibbons.
Dave Gibbons was born in Seoul, Korea, yet was culturally raised in America. He works in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations as an advisor, speaker, and spiritual leader. He founded one of the fastest-growing, diverse churches in America, as well as XEALOTS, a global network of third culture leaders. Dave has served as a board member with social-impact organizations such as World Vision and Fuller Seminary, and loves working with creators and innovators in entertainment, sports, government, finance, and nonprofits. Dave lives in California and Asia with his wife, Becca. He has four adult children and two granddogs. Home is Orange County, California, Seoul, Bangkok, and São Paulo.
📚 Get Dave’s book direct from the RLC Store
🎥 Watch the replay on YouTube
Join us for upcoming events:
🙏 Monthly Morning Prayer with Tiffany Bluhm (March 2nd): https://redletterchristians.org/event/march-2026-monthly-morning-prayer-with-tiffany-bluhm/
📖 Next Book Club: Braving the Truth: Essential Essays for Reckoning with and Reimagining Faith by Rachel Held Evans, with editor Sarah Bessey: https://redletterchristians.org/event/braving-the-truth-sarah-bessey-rachel-held-evans
🗓️ See all our upcoming events: https://redletterchristians.org/events/

March 2026 Monthly Morning Prayer with Tiffany Bluhm
2026-03-02 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | https://redletterchristians.org/event/march-2026-monthly-morning-prayer-with-tiffany-bluhm/
Join us for a very special monthly morning prayer with author Tiffany Bluhm on Monday, March 2 at 9 AM ET
Tiffany Bluhm is a speaker and writer with twenty years of experience in social impact leadership. She is the author of The Women We’ve Been Waiting For, Prey Tell, and other books and Bible studies. Her writing has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Sojourners, Red Letter Christians, YouVersion Bible app, and more. She speaks on justice, faith, leadership, and women’s liberation. She serves full-time as the Executive Director of PAX, a foundation providing mentorship and instruction to Christians of color pursuing peace, justice, and contemplation. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons.

Zoom registration link: Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: RLC Monthly Morning Prayer w/Tiffany Bluhm. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Social Media: Tiffany Bluhm (@tiffanybluhm) • Instagram profile
Made for PAX (@madeforpax) • Instagram profile

This Monthly Morning Prayer follows the liturgy from Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals and is open to all.

March 2 9 AM ET Live on all Red Letter Christians social media platforms + Zoom! Register at Meeting Registration – Zoom
Let’s gather to pray, learn, and grow together in the way of Jesus—rooted in peace, community, and courageous love.

No Kings. No Thrones. No Crowns. March 28.
2026-03-28 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York)
Biggest protest in US history. This Saturday March 28. Join your local revolution. There are over 3000 events happening across the country and around the globe.

In America, we have No Kings.
Masked secret police terrorizing our communities. An illegal, catastrophic war putting us in danger and driving up our costs. Attacks on our freedom of speech, our civil rights, our freedom to vote. Costs pushing families to the brink. Trump wants to rule over us as a tyrant. But this is America, and power belongs to the people – not to wannabe kings or their billionaire cronies.
On March 28th, we show up together, and we say, loud and clear: No Kings.

Find an Event near you

As President Trump escalates his attempts to control us, it is on us, the people, to show that we will fight to protect one another and our country. If he believes we will roll over and allow him to take our freedoms, he is mistaken. We are coming together again on March 28 because we know we can overcome this repression when we unite.

RLC March Book Club: "Braving the Truth: Essential Essays for Reckoning with and Reimagining Faith" with Sarah Bessey, editor and dear friend of the late author Rachel Held Evans
2026-03-30 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
In this special book club conversation, we discuss Braving the Truth: Essential Essays for Reckoning with and Reimagining Faith with Sarah Bessey, editor of the collection and dear friend of Rachel Held Evans — along with other contributors to the book.
Together, they explore the essays Rachel left behind and the continuing impact of her work on faith, doubt, justice, and belonging.

Sarah Bessey is a Canadian writer whose work creates spaces of welcome where questions are honored, stories matter, and resilient hope is practiced, one small faithful act at a time. She is the bestselling author of Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith and the New York Times bestseller A Rhythm of Prayer, among others. Living in Calgary with her family, she writes from the ordinary rhythms of life with warmth and theological generosity. Find her online at sarahbessey.com.
Get your copy of Braving the Truth and join the conversation.

April 2026 Monthly Morning Prayer with Author and RLC Board Member, Lisa Sharon Harper
2026-04-01 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | https://redletterchristians.org/event/april-2026-monthly-morning-prayer-with-rlc-board-chair-pastor-todd-yeary-and-board-member-lisa-sharon-harper/
In this Monthly Morning Prayer gathering, author and RLC Board Member Lisa Sharon Harper joins us for a time of reflection tied to our #40Days40Ways initiative and the journey toward Easter.

Follow along with the morning prayer reading at commonprayer.one.
Lisa Sharon Harper is a speaker, activist, educator and author of several books including The Very Good Gospel and Fortune.
Film — The Voice of Hind Rajab
Watch the trailer for The Voice of Hind Rajab — a film discussed during this gathering.
Watch the Philly Pilgrimage video playlist on YouTube.
Books Mentioned
Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus by Reggie L. Williams
The Very Good Gospel by Lisa Sharon Harper
Fortune by Lisa Sharon Harper
Upcoming RLC Events
RLC Book Club — Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus by Reggie L. Williams
Good Trouble on Good Friday at Lockheed Martin
Yale Center for Public Theology & Public Policy National Conference

Good Trouble on Good Friday at Lockheed Martin: Register to Join Us!
2026-04-03 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Lockheed Martin, 230 Mall Blvd, King of Prussia, PA, 19406
Save the Date & Register Below!!
Title: Good Friday vigil and protest at Lockheed Martin
Date: April 3, 2026
Where: Lockheed Martin in King of Prussia, Philadelphia
Description: Please make plans to join us for our third annual Good Friday vigil and protest at weapons manufacturer Lockheed Martin.
Registration link:
Good Friday @ Lockheed Martin, Philadelphia: Prayer Vigil & Direct Action Registration Form

RLC April Book Club: "Bonhoeffer's Black Jesus" (Dr. Reggie Williams)
2026-04-29 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
In this special book club conversation, Dr. Reggie Williams joins us to discuss his book, Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus.
You are invited: RLC April Book Club w/Reggie Williams (Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

Register to Join Us!
Reggie Williams, PhD is an Associate Professor of Theological Studies at St. Louis University and author of six books, including the groundbreaking book Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus: Harlem Renaissance Theology and an Ethic of Resistance, which is widely considered one of the best works on Bonhoeffer’s time in America ever written. His book was named Outstanding Academic Title by Baylor Press and won Dr. Williams recognition in as a Black Christian Social Ethicist. His academic interests address the problem of an idealized humanity and community in Western world Christianity. By asking what it means to be Christian and human, Williams explores how to recover from the distortions that turn Christ into a site for the promotion of harmful religious practices. His work draws widely upon Black studies, theological studies, and Christian Ethics.

May 2026 Monthly Morning Prayer with Zach Lambert
2026-05-01 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | https://redletterchristians.org/event/may-2026-monthly-morning-prayer/
Join us for prayer and conversation with Jonathan and Zach. Follow along with the morning prayer reading at commonprayer.one.

Author Bio:
Zach W. Lambert is the lead pastor and founder of Restore, a church in Austin, Texas. Under his leadership, Restore has grown from a launch team of five people in 2015 to more than one thousand members today. He holds a master of theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and is pursuing his doctorate at Duke Divinity School. Zach is the cofounder of the Post-Evangelical Collective and serves on the boards of the Austin Church Planting Network and the Multi-Faith Neighbors Network. Zach and his wife, Amy, met each other in the sixth grade, fell in love at seventeen, and got married at twenty-one. They love watching live music, discovering local Mexican food places, and playing with their two boys.
🎥 Watch the Morning Prayer event with Zach
🎥 Watch RLC Book Club event with Zach
📕 Check out Zach’s book: Better Ways to Read the Bible
Find Zach’s socials (x, threads, insta): @‌zachwlambert
Also mentioned during this livestream:

MAY DAY – Nationwide Nonviolent Actions – https://maydaystrong.org/
Nonviolent: A Memoir of Resistance, Agitation, and Love by Reverend James Lawson Jr. & Emily Yellin
Zach’s church: RESTORE in Austin, TX – https://www.restoreaustin.org/
Taylor Leonhardt music – https://www.taylorleonhardt.com & on Spotify
Common Hymnal music – https://commonhymnal.com & on Spotify

Stop The Execution of Leroy McGill in Arizona
2026-05-20 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Phoenix)
Leroy McGill is scheduled for execution in Arizona on May 20, 2026, for the 2002 murder of Charles Perez. McGill would be the third execution under the administrations of Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and Gov. Katie Hobbs after the executions of Aaron Gunches and Richard Djerf in 2025.
Call Gov. Hobbs at 602-542-4331 with the following message:
“Hi. My name is [your name]. I am calling to urge Gov. Hobbs to reverse course and halt all plans to execute Leroy McGill on May 20, 2026. We are deeply troubled that Gov. Hobbs ran on a promise of transparency yet has allowed executions in Arizona to resume before a full investigation into the state’s execution procedures could be completed. Thank you.”
REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL VIGIL BEGINNING AT 9AM MT ON 5/20/26.

The following is shared by our partners at Death Penalty Alternatives for Arizona:
During sentencing, Mr. McGill presented extensive evidence of lifelong instability and neglect:

A deeply fractured and abusive childhood
Repeated removal from his home due to lack of care
Placement in multiple children’s homes and reform schools
Early exposure to drugs and alcohol
Long-term substance addiction, including chronic, daily methamphetamine use
Evidence of psychological immaturity and susceptibility to coercive relationships
Documented institutional stability, including working well in structured environments and requiring little supervision
Experts testified that when Mr. McGill was placed in stable, structured settings as a child, he improved dramatically—but those environments were temporary, inconsistent, and ultimately removed.
A defense psychologist noted that these were the only circumstances under which Mr. McGill ever “blossomed.”
Neuropsychological testimony further explained how early neglect, substance dependency, and an abusive adult relationship impaired his judgment and decision-making leading up to the crime.

The clemency process is not a retry.
It is the only place left where the state can ask a different question:
Does executing this person now reflect justice—or merely the final abandonment of responsibility for every failure that came before the crime?

If carried out, Leroy’s execution in Arizona will be the state’s third since the practice was halted in 2022 after a series of botched lethal injections. Gov. Katie Hobbs ordered a state-wide moratorium until the situation could be properly investigated. She appointed a retired federal judge to conduct the review but fired him before he could finish his investigation. Thereafter, she decided that an internal review would suffice, and the moratorium was subsequently lifted in November 2024.
While most states have moved away from the death penalty, Arizona is accelerating executions. Each warrant signed underscores the state’s embrace of a punishment that is arbitrary, racially biased, and out of step with evolving standards of decency.
We believe in accountability, and have sympathy for the victim’s family members, friends, and community. Their loss is tragic and unimaginable. But true justice and accountability do not require execution. This execution will not make us safer; it will simply add another act of violence to an already tragic story.
Please sign the petition asking the Arizona governor to do everything in her power to stop this execution, including issuing a stay, and seeking a path to clemency in the case.

Stop the Execution of Tony Carruthers in Tennessee
2026-05-21 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Phoenix)
Tennessee has scheduled Tony Carruthers for execution on May 21, 2026, for the 1994 murders of Marcellos Anderson, Delois Anderson, and Frederick Tucker.

The following has been shared by the US Campaign to End the Death Penalty and Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty:
Tennessee intends to move forward with Tony’s execution despite the fact that the State refuses to carry out basic forensic testing(fingerprint and DNA) that could exculpate him.

No physical evidence linking Tony to the crime
Convictions rest on the testimony of paid jailhouse informants
Fingerprints and DNA from the crime scene don’t match Tony

One of the individuals who participated in the murder said that Tony wasn’t involved, and instead directed law enforcement to Ronnie Irving — State refuses to test DNA and fingerprints against Ronnie.

Tony lives with severe mental illness and was forced to represent himself at trial

It is unconscionable that the State would force Tony to represent himself at trial and allow this execution to proceed, given all that is known about the case.
Call Gov. Lee at 615-741-2001 with the following message:
“Hi. My name is [your name]. I am calling to urge Gov. Lee to reverse course and halt all plans to execute Tony Carruthers on May 21, 2026. There are several deeply concerning elements to this case, including the fact that an individual who participated in the murders said Tony was not involved. This individual pointed investigators to Ronnie Irving — yet they refuse to test the DNA and fingerprints against Ronnie Irving. As one who purports to follow Christian teachings, it is deeply disappointing that he does not extend these teachings to the individuals condemned to death in the state of Tennessee.”
REGISTER FOR THE 5/21 VIRTUAL VIGIL BEGINNING AT 9AM CT.

We are concerned that while the vast majority of states with capital punishment continue on a downward trend of executions, Tennessee continues to go against trend by carrying on an aggressive execution schedule.

We are asking the governor to stop this execution by issuing a stay, and seeking a path to clemency in the case.

Stop the Execution of Richard Knight in Florida
2026-05-21 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Phoenix)
Richard Knight is scheduled for execution in Florida on May 21, 2026 for the 2000 murders of Odessia Stephens and Hanessia Mullings.
At trial, despite the fact that there was evidence presented of significant trauma, medical issues, and neurological impairment, the court found no “statutory mitigation”. That is absurd, given the lifetime of abandonment, abuse, sexual violence, and untreated medical issues that Richard survived.
There are a myriad of issues in this case that remain unsolved:

A jury that never heard a complete picture of his life, mental health, or health issues

He was repeatedly sexually assaulted as a child
As he grew older, he developed seizures, blackouts, head trauma, severe headaches—at times so severe that he banged his head on hard surfaces.

Forensic evidence pointing to an unidentified individual

a latent fingerprint left on the blade of the murder weapon that does not match Richard Knight and remains unidentified to this day
Richard’s team is seeking to run the print through modern AFIS databases to see if the fingerprint can be matched to someone in national systems

Scientific questions that have never been fully explored
And a rushed process that leaves no time to answer them

This “fire drill” process raises serious concerns about whether the courts — and the public — have had a full and fair opportunity to evaluate the case before the State carries out an irreversible act.

The narrative above was shared by our partners at Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.
Call Gov. DeSantis at 850-717-9337 with the following message:
“Hi. My name is [your name]. I am calling to urge Gov. DeSantis to reverse course and halt all plans to execute Richard Knight on May 21, 2026. As someone who purports to follow Christian teachings, it is deeply disappointing that he does not extend these teachings to the individual condemned to death in the state of Florida. Please do not move forward with the execution of Richard Knight.“
REGISTER FOR THE 5/21 EXECUTION VIGIL BEGINNING AT 5PM ET.

This is the eighth death warrant of 2026, following an unprecedented execution pace in 2025. Florida led the nation in executions in 2025 by setting its own record for executions with Governor DeSantis signing 19 death warrants last year. Let’s make sure Florida does not repeat this record in 2026.
While most states have moved away from the death penalty, Florida is accelerating executions at an alarming rate. Each warrant signed underscores the state’s embrace of a punishment that is arbitrary, racially biased, and out of step with evolving standards of decency.
Please sign the petition asking Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida State Board of Executive Clemency to do everything within their power to stop this execution, including issuing a stay, and seeking a path to clemency in the case.

RLC May Book Club: "Liturgies for Resisting Empire" with Kat Armas
2026-05-26 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Kat Armas (MDiv, MAT, Fuller Theological Seminary) is the recipient of Fuller Seminary’s Frederick Buechner Award for Excellence in Writing. She is pursuing a ThM at Vanderbilt Divinity School. Armas is the author of two books, Abuelita Faith and Sacred Belonging. She lives outside Nashville, Tennessee, with her family.

June 2026 Monthly Morning Prayer with Peter Storey
2026-06-01 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Register now: Meeting Registration – Zoom
Zoom registration link:
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: RLC May Morning Prayer w/Peter Storey. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

Follow along with the morning prayer reading at commonprayer.one.

Author Bio:
Peter Storey is the Ruth W. and A. Morris Williams Distinguished Professor Emeritus of the Practice of Christian Ministry at Duke Divinity School. A prominent Christian leader in the church’s struggle against apartheid, he was presiding bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa and served as president of the South African Council of Churches in partnership with Bishop Desmond Tutu. He played a central role in the transition to a democratic South Africa through his work with the National Peace Accord and his nomination by Nelson Mandela to help select members of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
More about Peter: https://divinity.duke.edu/faculty/peter-storey

Stop the Execution of Andrew Lukehart in Florida
2026-06-02 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Phoenix)
Andrew Lukehart is scheduled for execution in Florida on June 2, 2026, for the 1997 murder of Gabrielle Hanshaw.
This petition will be updated when additional details become available.
Visit our partners at Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.
Call Gov. DeSantis at 850-717-9337 with the following message:
“Hi. My name is [your name]. I am calling to urge Gov. DeSantis to reverse course and halt all plans to execute Andrew Lukehart on June 2, 2026. As someone who purports to follow Christian teachings, it is deeply disappointing that he does not extend these teachings to the individual condemned to death in the state of Florida. Please do not move forward with the execution of Andrew Lukehart.“
REGISTER FOR THE 6/2 VIRTUAL VIGIL BEGINNING AT 5PM ET.

This is the ninth death warrant of 2026, following an unprecedented execution pace in 2025. Florida led the nation in executions in 2025 by setting its own record for executions with Governor DeSantis signing 19 death warrants last year. Let’s make sure Florida does not repeat this record in 2026.
While most states have moved away from the death penalty, Florida is accelerating executions at an alarming rate. Each warrant signed underscores the state’s embrace of a punishment that is arbitrary, racially biased, and out of step with evolving standards of decency.
Please sign the petition asking Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida State Board of Executive Clemency to do everything within their power to stop this execution, including issuing a stay, and seeking a path to clemency in the case.

Moral Mondays in Washington DC • June 8, 2026
2026-06-08 16:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Moral Mondays in Washington DC • June 8, 2026
Watch live here on the RLC Livestream

Stop the Execution of Jeffery Lee in Alabama
2026-06-11 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Phoenix)
Jeffery Lee is scheduled for execution in Alabama on June 11, 2026 for the 1998 murders of Jimmy Ellis and Elaine Thompson.

While the vast majority of states with capital punishment continue on a downward trend of executions, Alabama has continued to go against the trend by carrying on with scheduled execution dates. Additionally, the State of Alabama has repeatedly shown blatant incompetence in carrying out executions – they need to pause ALL executions to allow for meaningful review of their protocols.
The following case information is from www.mercyforjefferylee.com:
For over 20 years, Jeffery Lee has been on Alabama’s death row, despite a jury of his peers voting 7-5 for a sentence of Life Without Parole. Under the law at the time, that 7–5 vote was only a recommendation. The final decision belonged to the trial judge, who chose to impose death despite the jury’s vote for life – a practice Alabama abolished in 2017.
Jeffery’s story is one of profound transformation; today, he serves as a prison Chaplain and a leader in the Kairos ministry, dedicating his life to faith and the service of others. However, the system that sentenced him ignored the jury’s plea for mercy and never heard the full truth of Jeffery’s Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and severe childhood trauma, physical and psychological scars that fundamentally impacted his life.
We are calling on Governor Kay Ivey to respect the original jury’s verdict and recognize the man Jeffery has become. Please add your voice to our call for clemency and help us ensure that justice is tempered with mercy.
Call Gov. Ivey at 334-242-7100 with the following message:
“Hi. My name is [your name]. First, I would like to commend Gov. Ivey for seeing it fit to commute Sonny Burton’s sentence earlier this year. The upcoming execution of Jeffrey Lee is marred by similar concerns about fairness. Jeffrey’s jury voted in favor of a life sentence at trial. The trial judge overrode their decision and imposed a death penalty despite a majority of the jury voting for life. The inherent unfairness of this practice led Alabama to outlaw it 9 years ago, as have almost all other states. We politely urge you to conduct a meaningful review of Jeffrey’s case and consider sparing his life as well. Thank you for your time.”
Should the execution proceed, we invite you to hold space with us beginning at 5pm CT on June 11.

Additional Information and Action Opportunities Regarding Alabama Executions

Click here for information about Gas Suffocation Executions

Click here for The Pull Back The Curtains Campaign to Demand Full Transparency in Alabama Executions

Stop the Execution of Dusty Ray Spencer in Florida
2026-06-25 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Phoenix)
This is already the tenth death warrant of 2026, following an unprecedented execution pace in 2025. Florida led the nation in executions in 2025 by setting its own record for executions with Governor DeSantis signing 19 death warrants last year. Let’s make sure Florida does not repeat this record in 2026.
While most states have moved away from the death penalty, Florida is accelerating executions at an alarming rate. Each warrant signed underscores the state’s embrace of a punishment that is arbitrary, racially biased, and out of step with evolving standards of decency.
Please sign the petition asking Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida State Board of Executive Clemency to do everything within their power to stop this execution, including issuing a stay, and seeking a path to clemency in the case.
REGISTER FOR THE 6/25 VIRTUAL VIGIL BEGINNING AT 5PM ET.

RLC June Book Club: "The Justice of Jesus" with Joash P. Thomas
2026-06-30 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
In this Red Letter Christians Book Club conversation, we chat with Father Joash Thomas to explore his bestselling book, The Justice of Jesus — a Jesus-centered, Empire-informed reading of Scripture that reimagines a faith that unites rather than divides and stands firmly with neighbors on the margins.
Father Joash Thomas is a priest, public theologian, and bestselling author. Drawing from his St. Thomas Christian roots, he helps audiences reimagine a faith rooted in a more contemplative yet courageous activism, shaped by the grace-filled, non-violent way of Jesus. Born and raised in India, Fr. Joash served as a U.S. political consultant and lobbyist before pivoting to global human rights advocacy. Now based in the Toronto area, he holds a master’s degree in Political Management from The George Washington University and two master’s degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary in Christian Leadership and Theology. An ordained priest in the Diocese of St. Anthony, he is the author of the #1 Amazon Canada Bestseller in Liberation Theology, The Justice of Jesus (Brazos Press / Baker Publishing). He also serves on the leadership team at St. Stephen’s University as Director of Fundraising & Advancement and Instructor in Public Theology, Peace & Justice.
Links mentioned in this livestream…
Books & Resources

Get The Justice of Jesus by Father Joash Thomas
Order Direct from the RLC SHOP

Read Fr. Joash’s Substack, Masala Chai Theology
Upcoming Book Club: Mary Theresa Webb’s Christian Citizenship: Endangered in America

Our Community

Browse the Gaza Collection — communion sets and other items imported from and raising support for Gaza
See RAWtools on Facebook for photos from the June Makers Marathon projects

Transform

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Transform

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July 2026 Monthly Morning Prayer: RLC UK
2026-07-01 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Gather with us for Monthly Morning Prayer, a time of reading and reflection at the intersection of faith and justice. Follow along with this session’s reading at commonprayer.one.
We’re joined by David Mann and Rev Dr Ash Barker of Red Letter Christians UK. We also checked in with Abe Bonawhitz (Death Penalty Action) at the Starvin’ for Justice Fast & Vigil on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court.
David Mann is a director of RLC UK and has spent 30 years in church leadership. He was a journalist and worked in the communications industry before becoming Minister of Bonny Downs Baptist Church in East Ham, East London. He set up a charity and continues to chair the Bonny Downs Community Association, which brought a derelict community centre and sportsground back to life — it’s now home to projects for children, youth, families, elders, and a poverty-response programme.
Dave also helped set up Oasis Academy secondary school in Newham and spent 11 years chairing Britannia Education Trust, working in primary education. He chairs the community development charity Community Albums, has captained West Ham United’s over-50s walking soccer team, and is planting a church in the Muslim-majority area of Manor Park, East London.
Rev Dr Ash Barker stood up at a Tony Campolo meeting aged 18, willing to go anywhere for the cause of Christ. Thirty-five years on, that calling has taken him from Melbourne’s industrial belt to the Klong Toey slums of Bangkok to Winson Green, Birmingham, where he now ministers. Founder of Seedbeds and co-founder of Red Letter Christians UK, he mobilises radical discipleship from Britain to the world. His tenth book, At the Scent of Water, carries a foreword by his longtime friend Shane Claiborne.
Things we mentioned in this livestream:

“Hymn for the 81%” by Daniel Deitrich, and the interview When Worship Is Resistance
Starvin’ for Justice Fast & Vigil
Death Penalty Action
Red Letter Christians UK: Jesus & Justice: Stories of Radical Christian Living and Living for Jesus & Justice: Daily Prayers for Radical Christians
Subscribe to the RLC UK newsletter or visit redletterchristians.org.uk

Stop the Execution of Dennis Sochor in Florida
2026-07-14 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Phoenix)
Dennis Sochor is scheduled for execution in Florida on July 14, 2026, for the 1982 murder of Patty Gifford.
U.S. Military veteran Dennis Sochor is scheduled to be executed in Florida on Tuesday, July 14, at 6 pm for the 1982 murder of Patricia Gifford. His death sentence was imposed after a jury recommended death by a vote of 10-2, meaning two jurors believed he should receive a life sentence instead.
Dennis has spent nearly four decades on death row. During that time, he has grown older, reflected on his actions, and lived with the consequences of his crime.
Learn more about this case at FADP.org
REGISTER FOR THE 7/14 VIRTUAL VIGIL BEGINNING AT 5PM ET.

Stop the Execution of Dominick Occhicone in Florida
2026-07-28 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Phoenix)
80-year-old death row prisoner Dominick Occhicone is scheduled for execution in Florida on July 28, 2026, for the 1986 murder of Martha Artzner.
Five jurors voted to spare Dominick’s life, and even the sentencing court recognized that he was acting under extreme mental and emotional disturbance. His case reflects the devastating consequences of untreated addiction, emotional crisis, and human failure—not a problem that another execution can solve.

This is already the 12th death warrant of 2026, following an unprecedented execution pace in 2025. Florida led the nation in executions in 2025 by setting its own record for executions, with Governor DeSantis signing 19 death warrants last year. Let’s make sure Florida does not repeat this record in 2026.
While most states have moved away from the death penalty, Florida is accelerating executions at an alarming rate. Each warrant signed underscores the state’s embrace of a punishment that is arbitrary, racially biased, and out of step with evolving standards of decency.

RLC July Book Club: "Christian Citizenship" with Terry Webb
2026-07-30 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
We’re honored to be joined by author Dr. Mary Theresa (Terry) Webb, MEd, PhD, for a conversation about her new book, Christian Citizenship: Endangered in America.
Terry is an internationally recognized leader with expertise in substance use and mental health disorders and their impact on families and nations. For more than 30 years, she has led training teams for prevention and treatment programs in Russia, Eastern Europe, East Africa, and Central America.
Get your copy of Christian Citizenship: Endangered in America from the RLC Store.

Resources from the conversation:

Check out the Peace Communion Set
Moral Monday DC: Calling the Nation to the Table of Democracy and Vision Voting
Braver Angels — Taking a Stand Against Toxic Politics
The Dignity Index — easing divisions, preventing violence, and solving problems

Gather with us:

Monthly Morning Prayer – This Saturday, Aug 1st, 2026
August Book Club with Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers — The Church Cracked Open conversation on the church of tomorrow
3rd Annual Peacemaker Summit — Philadelphia, PA – Oct 2026

See all of our upcoming events.

August 2026 Monthly Morning Prayer: NPA
2026-08-01 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Join us for a wonderful gathering of Peacemakers for our August Monthly Morning Prayer.
Mark your calendar for the Peacemaker Summit – Oct 2026 – https://redletterchristians.org/event/3rd-annual-peacemaker-summit-philadelphia-pa/

Stop the Execution of Carlos Cuesta-Rodriguez in Oklahoma
2026-08-13 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Phoenix)
Carlos Cuesta-Rodriguez is scheduled for execution in Oklahoma on August 13, 2026, for the 2003 murder of Olimpia Fisher.

Carlos accepts his guilt and has shown great remorse for his crime. Mr. Cuesta-Rodriguez’s adolescence was very traumatic. It included growing up in an impoverished and polluted environment in Cuba, suffering from physical abuse in the home, being left severely injured and psychologically changed by a bus crash, and being treated with electroshock “therapy.”
Mr. Cuesta-Rodriguez has suffered from many injuries and traumas that have left him impaired and mentally ill in various ways. He is currently in poor health and suffers from dementia. Despite these alignments, he is well-behaved, with group yard privileges. He is over 70 years old and poses no threat while in prison.
Carlos has reconnected with his Catholic faith. He also maintains relationships with friends and family members, sending them his cross-stitch artwork. His priest, friends, and family members all ask that the board grant clemency.

Oklahoma’s aggressive execution schedule marks it as an outlier in its use of the death penalty, while the majority of other states are on a downward trend of executions. In the last few years, Oklahoma has been one of only a handful of states that have carried out death sentences, and it continues to do so, targeting the poor, the mentally ill, and people of color.
This particular execution is just one in a series of 25 executions scheduled by Oklahoma in the coming months, despite serious concerns around the state’s lethal injection protocols and drugs.

Stop the Execution of Darrell Hines in Tennessee
2026-08-13 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Phoenix)
Tennessee has scheduled Darrell Hines for execution on August 13, 2026 for the 1986 murder of Katherine Jenkins.
We are concerned that while the vast majority of states with capital punishment continue on a downward trend of executions, Tennessee continues to go against trend by carrying on an aggressive execution schedule. We are asking the governor to stop this execution by issuing a stay, and seeking a path to clemency in the case.
REGISTER FOR THE 8/13 VIRTUAL VIGIL BEGINNING AT 9AM CT

Stop the Execution of Jeremy Williams in Alabama
2026-08-13 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Phoenix)
Jeremy Williams is scheduled for execution in Alabama on August 13, 2026 for the 2021 murder of Kamarie Holland. Please sign the petition below to tell the Governor that the death penalty is wrong.

Additional Information and Action Opportunities Regarding Alabama Executions

Click here for information about Gas Suffocation Executions

Click here for The Pull Back The Curtains Campaign to Demand Full Transparency in Alabama Executions

Sign the Petition here: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/stop-the-execution-of-jeremy-williams-in-alabama

Second Peace Communion Practicum
2026-08-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4WRxnfIOQV6v6XPfSuHyKQ
We invite you to join us for our second virtual practicum on Tuesday, August 18, @ 12 pm ET, featuring Fares Abraham, Joash Thomas, Lamma Mansour, and Sandra Van Opstal.
Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4WRxnfIOQV6v6XPfSuHyKQ
This program is made possible through a Vital Worship Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.
