• Latest
  • Trending
undated file photo released shows death row inmate Julius Jones

‘God Won’ — Faith Leaders Backing Death Row Inmate Julius Jones Hail Parole Board’s Commutation Request

September 14, 2021
bishop michael curry

Bishop Michael Curry Recovering Post-Surgery for Brain Bleed Due to a Fall

December 5, 2023
Daddy Yankee said 'Jesus is in me' at his farewell concert

‘Jesus Lives in Me’ — Top Latin Artist Daddy Yankee Declares Faith in Christ at Farewell Concert

December 4, 2023
Tony Lowden, Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter's personal pastor, delivered the former first lady eulogy at her funeral on November 29, 2024.

Watch: Tony Lowden, Pastor to Rosalynn Carter and Jimmy Carter, Delivers Former First Lady’s Eulogy

December 1, 2023
aaron dean charged with murder

Zion Carr: Boy Who Witnessed Cop Kill His Aunt Awarded $3.5M Settlement

November 30, 2023
Botham Shem Jean

Sister of Botham Jean — Killed in Home by Off-Duty Cop — Shares Struggles With Forgiveness, Justice in New Book

November 25, 2023
Sandra Maria Van Opstal

‘The Next Worship’ Author Sandra Van Opstal Undergoes Multiple Surgeries to Fight Rare Infection

November 25, 2023
Bishop Carlton Pearson passed away. Carlton Pearson died Sunday, November 19, 2023

Bishop Carlton Pearson, Once Celebrated Pentecostal Preacher, Dies After Brief Battle With Cancer

November 20, 2023
palestinian farmer

‘These Are Biblical Lands Promised to Us,’ Say Jewish Settlers in West Bank Amid Gaza Conflict

November 18, 2023
hans schmidt shot while street preaching near victory chapel church

Victory Chapel Outreach Director Hans Schmidt Shot in Head While Evangelizing Near Church

November 18, 2023
from the river to the sea meaning

Behind the Slogan ‘From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free’

November 18, 2023
Ayaan Hirsi Ali conversion

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Outspoken Atheist and ‘Muslim Apostate,’ Says She Is ‘Now a Christian’

November 17, 2023
Breonna Taylor was killed by cops as she was in bed.

Brett Hankison Verdict: Mistrial for Ex-Cop Who Blindly Fired 10 Shots Into Breonna Taylor’s Home

November 17, 2023
Faithfully Magazine
  • Members
    • Log In
    • Member Home
    • See All Members
    • What’s New
    • Start or Join a Group
    • Your Freebies
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Submit Content
    • Join the Team
    • Contact Us
    • Give Via PayPal
  • Exclusives
  • Q&As
  • Specials
  • NJ News
  • Listen & Watch
  • Shop
    • Faith Heroes Bookmarks
    • Clothing
    • eBooks
  • Events
    • Community Events
    • FM Live Q&As
  • Resources
    • Black Christian Content
  • Newsletter
Cart / $0.00

No products in the cart.

  • About
    • Advertise
    • Submit Content
    • Join the Team
    • Contact Us
    • Give Via PayPal
  • Exclusives
  • Q&As
  • Specials
  • NJ News
  • Listen & Watch
  • Shop
    • Faith Heroes Bookmarks
    • Clothing
    • eBooks
  • Events
    • Community Events
    • FM Live Q&As
  • Resources
    • Black Christian Content
  • Newsletter
No Result
View All Result
Faithfully Magazine
Home News Crime

‘God Won’ — Faith Leaders Backing Death Row Inmate Julius Jones Hail Parole Board’s Commutation Request

FM Editors by FM Editors
September 14, 2021
in Crime, Spotlight
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
undated file photo released shows death row inmate Julius Jones

This undated file photo released shows death row inmate Julius Jones. (Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections)

53
SHARES
ShareTweetPin It

By Adelle M. Banks, Religion News Service

(RNS) — In a decision hailed by religious leaders who have taken up his cause, an Oklahoma parole board voted to recommend commutation of the death sentence of Julius Jones, who has been on death row for two decades.

The Rev. Cece Jones-Davis, the Justice for Julius campaign director, said she viewed the recommendation Monday (Sept. 13) of “life with the possibility of parole” as paving the way for Jones to leave prison relatively soon because of the time he has already served.

“Today, God won,” Jones-Davis said in a statement to Religion News Service on Monday. “Julius Jones is one step closer to realizing Justice because The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-1 for Julius’ sentence to be commuted off of death row! They saw the merits of the case as they are, were moved by compassion, and did the right thing. I am beyond grateful to them.”

RelatedArticles

bishop michael curry

Bishop Michael Curry Recovering Post-Surgery for Brain Bleed Due to a Fall

December 5, 2023
aaron dean charged with murder

Zion Carr: Boy Who Witnessed Cop Kill His Aunt Awarded $3.5M Settlement

November 30, 2023

Jones, a Black man, was convicted of killing a white businessman during a carjacking. Two people have signed sworn affidavits stating that someone else is responsible for the crime. An inmate in Arkansas, speaking via a video released in March, has made a similar statement.

In his petition for commutation, Jones said he was innocent.

“(A)s God is my witness, I was not involved in any way in the crimes that led to Paul Howell being shot and killed on July 28, 1999,” he wrote. “I have spent the past twenty years on death row for a crime I did not commit, did not witness, and was not at.”

Clergy from across the U.S. have advocated for Jones, 41, holding in-person rallies, online events and letter-writing campaigns in hopes of getting him clemency and, some hope, release from prison.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt will consider the board’s recommendation and could deny it, approve it or change the commutation to life without parole or time served, the Justice for Julius campaign said.

“In death penalty cases, there should be no doubt and, put simply, I have doubts about this case,” said Adam Luck, chair of the parole board, in a recording of the announcement of his board’s votes on the website of KOCO, the ABC affiliate in Oklahoma City. “I cannot ignore those doubts, especially when the stakes are life and death. For this reason, my vote is yes and I recommend commuting the sentence to life with the possibility of parole.”

Bishop T.D. Jakes, a Dallas megachurch pastor, had written to Stitt and to the parole board expressing concern about Jones’ case. On Monday, Jakes described the board’s decision as an answer to prayers.

“We are not asking for mercy; we are asking for justice,” he said in a statement to RNS. “Based on what we know, killing Mr. Jones would be an injustice. We implore Governor Stitts to bear this critically important fact in mind as he ponders his decision.”

The Rev. Jim Wallis, the founder of Sojourners and now director of the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University, also wrote to the governor and the board citing reasons for why Jones should receive a commutation.

“The vote recommending commutation of Julius Jones death sentence represents three things: That the evidence of racism, the need for fairness in the rule of law, and the involvement of faith and justice communities can make a difference,” Wallis said in a statement to RNS. “As we say, Thanks be to God.”

Some of Jones’ supporters gathered at an Oklahoma City church and celebrated with prayers and speeches after the board hearing. But they also remembered the family of Howell, who they believe was killed by someone other than Jones.

“I don’t want anybody here to mistake our celebration today that we do not care about what happens to that family,” said Minister Keith Jossell, one of several speakers at the Justice for Julius event. “We serve a big enough God who can celebrate with us and comfort them in their pain.”

Jones-Davis, a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) minister, started the coalition after watching Viola Davis’ ABC documentary series “The Last Defense,” which featured Jones’ case. Jones-Davis is not related to either the actress and producer or Julius Jones.

Responding to the tweeted announcement from the Justice for Julius campaign, Davis tweeted “OMG!!!! My heart! It just expanded!!!”

Shane Claiborne, author of “Executing Grace: How the Death Penalty Killed Jesus and Why It’s Killing Us,” also tweeted about his appreciation of the board’s decision and his fellow advocates.

“YES!!!!!!!!! Grateful for all the folks who have been working for so many years,” said Claiborne, who had said he believed Jones was innocent.

Oklahoma County District Attorney Daniel Prater had urged the parole board to deny Jones’ application, saying, The Associated Press reported in March, that the prisoner is “fueling a media circus with outright lies.”

Oklahoma’s attorney general has requested that the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals set an execution date of Oct. 28 for Jones.

Leave your vote

0 Points
Upvote Downvote

Browse and manage your votes from your Member Profile Page


Share This Post

Share via

Share This Post

  • Digg
  • Tumblr
  • Flipboard
  • SMS
More
  • Report
Advertisement
Ancestry US
53
SHARES
ShareTweetPin It
FM Editors

FM Editors

Faithfully Magazine is a fresh, bold and exciting news and culture publication that covers issues, conversations and events impacting Christian communities of color.

More Articles

Texas death row inmate John Henry Ramirez
Crime

‘Pastor Touch’ Case Ruled in Favor of Death Row Inmate John Henry Ramirez

March 26, 2022
pastor eric mason
Crime

‘Woke Church’ Pastor ‘Sick of America and Its Damnable Offenses Against Black People’

May 26, 2020
Terri Sewell and Raphael Warnock speaks during the Center on Faith and Justice launch event at Gerogetown University
Spotlight

Warnock and Sewell Talk ‘Sacred’ Voting Rights — and Whether God Is Black

November 19, 2021

Discussion about this post

Upcoming Events

Dec 13
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EST

Event: ‘Framing the News: Can Humanities Build Audience Engagement?’

View Calendar

Trending

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Daddy Yankee said 'Jesus is in me' at his farewell concert

‘Jesus Lives in Me’ — Top Latin Artist Daddy Yankee Declares Faith in Christ at Farewell Concert

December 4, 2023
Tony Evans and Carla Crummie engaged to be married

Dr. Tony Evans Engaged to Former Pastor’s Wife and Widow Four Years After Lois Evans’ Death

September 12, 2023
Sandra Maria Van Opstal

‘The Next Worship’ Author Sandra Van Opstal Undergoes Multiple Surgeries to Fight Rare Infection

November 25, 2023
Bishop Carlton Pearson passed away. Carlton Pearson died Sunday, November 19, 2023

Bishop Carlton Pearson, Once Celebrated Pentecostal Preacher, Dies After Brief Battle With Cancer

November 20, 2023
Christian Cultural Center

5 Largest Churches in New York City

May 29, 2018
Ralph Douglas West II of church without walls in houston texas

Rev. Ralph D. West II of Church Without Walls Must Pay $2.45M to Woman for STD Infection

October 12, 2023
bishop michael curry

Bishop Michael Curry Recovering Post-Surgery for Brain Bleed Due to a Fall

December 5, 2023
Daddy Yankee said 'Jesus is in me' at his farewell concert

‘Jesus Lives in Me’ — Top Latin Artist Daddy Yankee Declares Faith in Christ at Farewell Concert

December 4, 2023
Tony Lowden, Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter's personal pastor, delivered the former first lady eulogy at her funeral on November 29, 2024.

Watch: Tony Lowden, Pastor to Rosalynn Carter and Jimmy Carter, Delivers Former First Lady’s Eulogy

December 1, 2023
aaron dean charged with murder

Zion Carr: Boy Who Witnessed Cop Kill His Aunt Awarded $3.5M Settlement

November 30, 2023
Botham Shem Jean

Sister of Botham Jean — Killed in Home by Off-Duty Cop — Shares Struggles With Forgiveness, Justice in New Book

November 25, 2023
Sandra Maria Van Opstal

‘The Next Worship’ Author Sandra Van Opstal Undergoes Multiple Surgeries to Fight Rare Infection

November 25, 2023

Most Shared Articles

  • ‘The Next Worship’ Author Sandra Van Opstal Undergoes Multiple Surgeries to Fight Rare I...
  • Bishop Carlton Pearson, Once Celebrated Pentecostal Preacher, Dies After Brief Battle With Cancer...
  • Victory Chapel Outreach Director Hans Schmidt Shot in Head While Evangelizing Near Church...
  • Tye Tribbett Makes Reunion Tour Appearance After Being Rushed to Hospital for Minor Surgery...
  • Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Outspoken Atheist and ‘Muslim Apostate,’ Says She Is ‘Now a Chris...

From The Archive

school bus
Education

‘A Day Without A Woman’ Protest Leads to Class Cancellation

by FM
March 6, 2017
woman on mic
Features

Professor Charrise Barron Talks Teaching Protest Music’s Evolution From Gospel to Hip-Hop

by FM Editors
September 28, 2023
abortion rally texas tribune
Health

Supreme Court Abortion Case Ruling Leaves Challenges Open for Texas Ban

by FM Editors
December 11, 2021
Features

Understanding the Future of Black Politics Means Understanding the Future of the Black Church

by FM Editors
April 12, 2019
Hyun Jun Grant (maiden name Kim) pictured with her two sons in an undated photo. She was killed in the Atlanta shootings
Spotlight

Atlanta Shooting Victims Identified; Learn Their Names and Stories

by FM Editors
March 21, 2021

Who’s Online

There are no users currently online

Latest Votes

  • FM Editors on

    Jesus Likely Had Olive Skin and Short Black Hair, But What Did He Wear?

  • valexander on

    Christena Cleveland on ‘God Is a Black Woman’ and What Compelled Her to ‘Step off the Plantation’

  • FM Editors on

    Sexuality Has Nothing to Do With Salvation, Jackie Hill Perry Says in TBN Talk About ‘Gay Girl, Good God’

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram
Faithfully Magazine

Faithfully Magazine is a news and culture publication centered on Christian communities of color.

We participate in various affiliate programs that allow us to earn fees by linking to affiliated sites. FM is independently owned and published and is supported by digital subscriptions, advertising, merchandise sales, and affiliate links. We use these funds to maintain operations and pay our writers. Donations are welcomed.

Recent News

  • Bishop Michael Curry Recovering Post-Surgery for Brain Bleed Due to a Fall
  • ‘Jesus Lives in Me’ — Top Latin Artist Daddy Yankee Declares Faith in Christ at Farewell Concert
  • Watch: Tony Lowden, Pastor to Rosalynn Carter and Jimmy Carter, Delivers Former First Lady’s Eulogy
  • Zion Carr: Boy Who Witnessed Cop Kill His Aunt Awarded $3.5M Settlement

Most Shared Posts

  • ‘The Next Worship’ Author Sandra Van Opstal Undergoes Multiple Surgeries to Fight Rare Infection...
  • Bishop Carlton Pearson, Once Celebrated Pentecostal Preacher, Dies After Brief Battle With Cancer...
  • Victory Chapel Outreach Director Hans Schmidt Shot in Head While Evangelizing Near Church...
  • Tye Tribbett Makes Reunion Tour Appearance After Being Rushed to Hospital for Minor Surgery...
  • Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Outspoken Atheist and ‘Muslim Apostate,’ Says She Is ‘Now a Christian’...

© 2023 Faithfully Media, LLC (Owner and Operator)

  • From The Magazine
  • Inspiration
  • News
  • Opinion & Analysis
  • Profiled
  • Q&As
  • Remember
  • Specials
  • New Jersey
  • Listen & Watch
  • Web Exclusives
  • Shop
    • Clothing
    • Faith Heroes Bookmarks
    • eBooks
  • Events
    • FM Live Events
    • Community Events
  • Resources
    • Black Christian Content
  • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Submit Content
    • Join the Editorial Team
    • Give Via PayPal
  • Members
    • Log In
    • Your Freebies
  • Subscribe to Faithfully Magazine
  • Newsletter
No Result
View All Result

© 2023 Faithfully Media, LLC (Owner and Operator)

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms bellow to register

*By registering on our website, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
Share via

Share This Post

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • Email
  • WhatsApp
  • Copy Link
  • Tumblr
  • Digg
  • Flipboard
  • SMS

Add New Playlist

Log In

Sign In

Login with Facebook
Login with Twitter
Forgot password?

Don't have an account? Register

Forgot password?

Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Back to Login

Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

Log in

Privacy Policy

Accept

Add to Collection

  • Public collection title

  • Private collection title

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.

Try a 14-day free trial today with Ancestry® (We may earn a commission) Dismiss

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?
Send this to a friend