The Life and Near Death of Kelly Gissendaner

No doubt Kelly Gissendaner had prepared her soul for her execution by lethal injection scheduled for 7 PM Monday night in Jackson, Georgia. After all, she graduated from a theological studies program while in prison, and served as a chaplain and spiritual advisor of sorts for other prisoners, to great effect. But she was also sentenced to death in 1998 for her role in planning the vicious murder of her husband.

Late Monday night, just before her sentence was carried out, her execution was delayed because of a mysterious problem with the injectable drugs that would end her life.

Several petitions for clemency have been widely supported by citizens and religious leaders who have heard her story, and according to Faithful American, one correctional officer wrote, “Her witness has been amazing beacon in a dark place. The kindness and witness she shares with inmates in lockdown has a positive ripple effect.”

Kelly has children who are said to still have interest and desire to maintain and continue to develop a relationship with their mother.

No doubt the victim’s family experiences anger and unfathomable pain.

As Christians, do we believe in forgiveness that transforms all parties, including the memory and spirit of the victim? Do we believe in redemption? Do we believe that Jesus overturned the ancient rule of “an eye for an eye”? Do we believe killing murderers promotes peace and justice and healing in our society? Studies show the threat of the death penalty does not deter murders.

If the execution proceeds next week as planned, she will become the first woman to die by death penalty in Georgia in over 70 years.

I am convicted that killing does not avenge killing, nor does it improve our society. As a Christian principle, it goes against everything Jesus taught and modeled, even as he experienced the death penalty. There is little chance her execution will be overturned, but there are many people rooting and praying for her. Listen to what Jennifer McBride, Gissendaner’s theology professor, has to say: