Clergy Join in Protest of Execution

More than a dozen religious leaders from Catholic, Presbyterian, Lutheran and Buddhists churches in Orange and Los Angeles counties gathered in prayer Friday in a small ceremony on the sidewalk in front of the St. Vincent de Paul Center to protest the state’s scheduled execution of Robert Alton Harris.

In response to Gov. Pete Wilson’s denial of clemency for Harris Wednesday, the 30-minute ceremony of prayer and songs was held on the holy day of Good Friday in the Christian faith and the beginning of Passover in the Jewish faith, for those leaders to register their continued opposition to the death penalty as a means of punishment.

“We believe that Christian justice is not served when a violent and vengeful solution is offered that evidences no positive value,” said the Rev. Mike Holland, a pastor of the Faith United Church of Christ in Garden Grove, echoing the feelings of his congregation. “The death penalty provides no opportunity for reconciliation, redemption or fulfillment of human potential.”

Harris is scheduled to die Tuesday morning for the killing of two San Diego teen-agers 14 years ago.

Each of the 14 religious leaders addressed about 60 people who had gathered outside the church, spilling onto the street. Most criticized the governor for his lack of compassion for human life and the state’s death penalty as “a sanction of violence.”

“We are concerned for the 325 men and women on Death Row,” said Sister Catherine Vallejo, director of the center. “Putting a person to death denies God the opportunity to bring good from that person.”

After each short address, many in the crowd holding candles and bowing their heads joined in song. On the sidewalk rested a table with a cloth covering and a candle burning to symbolize the light of the Lord.

Some who attended the prayer session came to protest the execution but said they are resigned to the fact that little can be done to save Harris.

“I am disturbed that the death penalty is coming back to California,” said Dan Noel, a resident of Santa Ana. “I believe it is a violation of human rights.”

The St. Vincent de Paul Center will hold another vigil Monday night before Harris is led to death.