this is posted on the home page of our web site as well... please join in community anywhere you can... peace out - <3

EXECUTION ALERTS
Statewide Prayer Services and Vigils ScheduleTuesday Evening June 27th

The state of Tennessee is scheduled to carry out the dual executions of Sedley Alley and Paul Dennis Reid this Wednesday, June 28th, beginning at ~1:00 a.m.

Alley's request to release post-conviction physical evidence for DNA testing is currently before the TN Supreme Court while his challenge to the lethal injection protocol of Tennessee is seeking an en banc hearing of 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. Reid's case in which his sister Linda Martiniano seeks next friend status because Reid was and remains incompetent to drop his appeals is before the TN Supreme Court and moves onto the Federal courts next. Both cases are likely to come down to the wire next Tuesday evening.

TCASK asks you to gather in community to oppose these two acts of state violence and urges you to attend a prayer service or vigil of witness in your area next Tuesday evening, June 27th.

Vigil Locations and Times

Chattanooga
A vigil procession will begin at 8:00 in the evening of June 27th at Forrest Avenue United Methodist Church, 120 Forrest. The procession will traverse a portion of the bridge where we will light candles (one for Paul Reid, one for Sedley Alley, one for murder victims, and one for the innocent still on death row.) There will be a moment of silence and we will go back to the church. Call 423-877-0999 or 615-256-3906 for more information.

Cookeville
An ecumenical service will begin at 8:00 in the evening of June 27th at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 421 North Washington in Cookeville. Father Don Loskot and Rev. Pat Handlson will lead the service with assistance from Hector Black. Those gathered will then process 4 blocks to the Courthouse Square and continue the vigil until 10:00 p.m. Call 931-268-9889 or 615-256-3906 for more information.

Knoxville
An interfaith service will be held from 9 - 10 p.m. the evening of June 27th at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 2931 Kingston Pike in Knoxville. Those of you who would like to meet this double act of violence by the state with prayer, in community, are asked to join us between 9 and 10 pm. Those who wish to attend an interactive vigil, from 8-9 p.m. and/or from 10 pm - 2 am, will be embraced and have the opportunity to share your thoughts and/or feelings.

Again, you can come and oppose these acts of state violence, in community, any time between 8 pm Tuesday evening June 27th and 2 am Wednesday morning June 28th. For more information call 865-454-2479 or 615-256-3906 for more information.

Memphis
Sunday, June 25, 7:00 p.m. Beginning of fast and vigil at Immaculate Conception. Central and Belvedere. We will maintain a continuous presence until the execution(s) unless stays are granted. Tuesday, June 26th, 8:00 p.m. If the executions are still scheduled, we will hold a service on the steps of IC. For more information call 615-256-3906.

Nashville
An interfaith service will be held at 7:30 the evening of June 27th at Holy Name Catholic Church, 521 Woodland Street in East Nashville. Those of you who would like to meet this double act of violence by the state with prayer, in community, are asked to join us. Those who wish to attend the vigil afterward, and we hope that you will, can carpool together from Holy Name.
A visible vigil will begin at 10 p.m. at Riverbend Maximum Security Prison located at 7475 Cockrell Bend in West Nashville. You may begin arriving on-site at 9 p.m. TCASK will maintain its vigil until either the state stands down or carries out one or both executions.

Rules for Nashville Vigil at Riverbend:

TCASK as an organization expects any individuals or groups of individuals attending a vigil to conduct themselves in accordance with the general principles of non-violence.

Do BRING a camping (folding) chair to sit in and make yourself comfortable.

Do NOT bring anything that could be construed as a weapon ANYWHERE on your person or in your car.

Do NOT bring any non-prescription drugs or alcohol in your vehicle.

The utmost respect for the victim’s family in both conduct and statements should be shown.

Employees of Riverbend Maximum Security Institute (RMSI) are not to be the target of any negative statements. Anyone making personal statements against a guard or other RMSI employee will be asked to leave the premises.

Expect at Riverbend Prison Vigil Site:

For your vehicle and person to be searched by Highway Patrolpersons and/or RMSI guards.

For there to be drug-sniffing dogs used to search your vehicle.

For helicopters to be part of the security regimen.

For TCASK to have trained peacekeepers on site to help manage the emotions of the evening.

Therefore, expect to be in a safe space both physically and emotionally.

For pro-execution people to be at the prison but kept apart from our service and vigil.

For cities not listed call the TCASK office at 615-473-2950.