Letter from William G. Sinkford to Governor Kathleen Blanco
September 14, 2007
Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco
Office of the Governor of Louisiana
P.O.
Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9004
Dear Governor Blanco:
I am writing to ask that you please intervene on behalf of the six young men who have become known as the 'Jena 6.' Specifically, I urge you to pardon or commute the sentence of Mychal Bell, a teenager who does not deserve the draconian sentences proposed for him.
Because I am aware that you have received hundreds of thousands of petitions on this matter, I do not feel a need to reiterate the
details of this case for you. Your office has the power to keep a bad situation from growing worse, and to assure
people of faith and conscience in Louisiana and across the land that justice can
prevail for people of all races.
I write as President of the Unitarian Universalist
Association, representing over 1,000 congregations across the land. It is rare for me to speak out about
matters which are principally of state or local interest. But there are local situations that call
for involvement from national bodies, and Unitarian Universalists are no
strangers to stepping in when asked. During the past two years, for instance, we have been extremely active in
the Gulf Coast region, especially helping to support communities of color with recovery from Hurricane
Katrina.
In this case I have been specifically urged to speak out by Louisiana congregations and ministers. I am proud that Unitarian Universalists across the state are actively involved in this case, and will be there in large numbers to witness the sentencing on Thursday, September 20. I pray that they will be inspired to gather again, this time to celebrate the pardoning or commuting of sentence of Mychal Ball, lifting up your name joyously.
Governor Blanco, we both know that racism in general, and specifically in the criminal justice system, is not limited to any state or region of this nation. My own state and city are certainly not immune. Faith calls us to speak out against acts of injustice anywhere, for in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
I am sure this is a difficult time for you. Please know that Unitarian Universalists
in Louisiana and across the land are praying for your strength and courage.
In faith,
William G. Sinkford
President
For more information contact info @ uua.org.
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
