Update: Bishops express gratitude for clemency for Thomas Whitaker! 

Bishop James A. Tamayo joins his brother bishops of Texas in this sensitive and timely matter that requires immediate action. 

Thomas "Bart" Whitaker is scheduled to be executed on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018 by the State of Texas. However, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles yesterday voted unanimously to recommend clemency for Thomas.

A vote for clemency is incredibly rare - the last clemency was granted over a decade ago. It is thanks to your advocacy, your prayers, and your witness for life that Thomas' family and his legal team have crossed this important threshold.

Nevertheless, the Board's Recommendaition for Clemency still must be approved by Governor Greg Abbott, who can either approve or deny the recommendation to change Mr. Whitaker's sentence to life in prison.

This case is particularly compelling because Kent Whitaker, Thomas' father,  was also a victim in the crime. He survived the attack that killed his wife and other 19-year son. Kent continues to seek reconciliation and restoration of his son and does not want the execution to go forward. According to an article from the Texas Tribune, he said, “Victims’ rights should mean something in this state, even when the victim is asking for mercy and not vengeance,” just before the Board’s vote came in.

Please take a moment to urge the Governor to follow the Board’s recommendation by commuting Thomas Whitaker’s sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Share your opinion online: https://gov.texas.gov/apps/contact/opinion.aspx

Call the Governor’s Office: (512) 463-1782 [Information and Referral and Opinion Hotline]

Each contact makes a difference! Take action now and join a father's call for life. The Texas bishops released a pastoral letter, Capital Punishment: The Death Penalty Does not Fulfill Justice, which provides church teaching on this issue.