******* UPDATE: Watch a video message from the Struggle Sisters ****
******* UPDATE: Watch a video message from Kelly’s children *******
Kelly Renee Gissendaner is a mother, a Christian, a student of theology — and the only woman on Georgia’s death row. SHE WILL BE EXECUTED ON SEPT. 29th – UNLESS WE ACT NOW.
Convicted for her part in planning the 1997 murder of her husband, Douglas Gissendaner, Kelly has been transformed during her time in prison. She has accepted full responsibility for her crime and has become a powerful voice for good. While in prison, Kelly has been a pastoral presence to many, teaching, preaching, and living a life of purpose. Her life is an extraordinary example of the rehabilitation that the corrections system aims to produce. Kelly is a living testimony to the possibility of change and the power of hope.
Despite the testimony of clergy, educators, former inmates, corrections officers, and Kelly’s own children pleading for their mother’s life before the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles, Kelly could soon face death. Earlier this year, Georgia twice planned to execute Kelly and then postponed, first because of snow, and then because the drugs secretively prepared for her execution were “cloudy.” In August, the courts ruled that Georgia is free to set a new execution date.
An execution warrant has been issued and Kelly will be put to death on September 29th – unless we act now.
As people of faith, we hold that all life is sacred. We believe in mercy. With tens of thousands of people of faith from across Georgia and around the world, we ask that Kelly’s life be spared. We insist: This execution does not reflect God’s justice, love, or grace. It does not reflect the will of the people of Georgia. We stand with Kelly’s children in asking that her life be spared.
We invite you to join us in praying daily for all involved in the case — for Kelly and her children; for the family of Doug Gissendaner; for lawyers and judges; for corrections officers and public officials; for Kelly’s friends, teachers, chaplains, and fellow inmates.
And we urge you to act. Learn more about Kelly’s story. Sign a petition. Write or call the Governor. Share on social media. Organize a vigil. Join us for a public event. Explore the resources on this page and then join us to Take Action Now.
Find more information and resources for members of the press covering the story here.