Bishops press for clemency. (World Briefs).(WCC WCC n abbr (= World Council of Churches) → COE m (Conseil œcuménique des Églises) WCC n abbr (= World Council of Churches) → Weltkirchenrat m )--The bishops of episcopal dioceses in Florida and the World Council of Churches are pressuring Florida Governor Jeb Bush John Ellis "Jeb" Bush (born February 11, 1953) is an American politician, and was the 43rd Governor of Florida as well as the first Republican to be re-elected to that office. He is a prominent member of the Bush family: the younger brother of current President George W. to grant clemency Leniency or mercy. A power given to a public official, such as a governor or the president, to in some way lower or moderate the harshness of punishment imposed upon a prisoner. Clemency is considered to be an act of grace. to Lionel Tate Lionel Alexander Tate[1] (born January 30, 1987) was convicted of first-degree murder for battering a 6-year-old playmate, Tiffany Eunick, to death on July 28, 1999, a crime for which he was sentenced to life imprisonment without chance of parole in Florida Department . who was sentenced to life in prison without parole for a crime he committed when he was 12 years old. WCC general secretary Konrad Raiser Konrad Raiser (b. 25 january 1938) is a former General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC). Born in Magdeburg, Germany in 1938, Konrad Raiser studied theology and started working with the World Council of Churches, first in the department for Faith and Order. appealed to the governor in a letter to exercise clemency in the case. Mr. Raiser endorsed the request of the Anglican bishops and said the punishment "is not only harsh but also fails to take into consideration his tender age." The bishops also wrote to Governor Bush; requesting clemency for the now 14-year-old who was sentenced in March to life in prison, without parole, for the beating death of a six-year-old playmate. "We are not excusing his actions," the bishops' letter says, "but we believe the judgment is disproportionate in the case of a minor and punishment is cruel and unusual. "We are appealing to your humanity for a less harsh treatment of this young boy. The eyes of the world are upon us, and by exercising clemency we would be demonstrating our ability to work toward redemption and rehabilitation rather than vengeance." |
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