September 30, 2011
The Honorable Governor Robert Bentley
State Capitol N 104
11 S. Union St. # 600
Montgomery, AL 36130-2751

Dear Governor Bentley,

As you are aware Christopher T. Johnson is scheduled to be executed on October 20, 2011. I am sure that Mr. Johnson’s execution will go through as scheduled because he has stopped all appeals and has said that he will not ask you for clemency. However, I want to take this opportunity to tell you once again that I am opposed to the continuation of state sponsored killing. I am disheartened to know that the State of Alabama has taken even one life in my name as a citizen of this state.

I am saddened to note that once again you allowed an execution to be carried out. This time you took the life of Derrick Mason even though the sentencing judge in the case said he administered the wrong sentence and asked you to grant clemency. It makes me wonder what it might take for you to stop even one execution. Murder is murder even when it is done under the cover of the law. Just because something is legal doesn’t make it moral or right. Unfortunately, Alabama’s history has proven that many times over.

Mr. Johnson has chosen suicide administered by the State of Alabama rather than a vigorous pursuit of his rights to appeal. That is his choice. However, I want to be very clear that I choose not to support the policy of Capital Punishment. To you I say, not in my name. As a fellow Christian I find your leadership on this issue lacking and your decision regarding the administration of the death penalty profoundly disappointing.

Sincerely Yours,

Reverend Tom Duley
Birmingham, AL 35216-1931