Execution Experience at Covenant Community Church

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – From Thursday, April 6, through Saturday, April 8, Covenant Community Church will host an interactive exhibit of Jesus’ final journey to the cross entitled the “Execution Experience.”  This journey from conviction to execution, traditionally called the stations of the cross, is unique in that each station presented along this path was painted by inmates on death row in Tennessee’s Department of Corrections. The event is designed to highlight Jesus' stance of solidarity with those who society has deemed unworthy of life and to offer ways that we all can stand in solidarity those who are a part of our criminal justice system today.

When the men on Tennessee’s Death Row began these paintings several years ago, they wanted to offer an interpretation of Jesus’ journey to the cross from their own experience of life on death row. They distributed these paintings in hopes that communities of faith might renew their call to stand in solidarity with those who society has deemed unredeemable.

From 5:00 – 8:00 PM each night, Covenant Community Church will host an outdoor self-guided journey through these stations that highlights the art, tell the stories of those who composed it, and offer multiple opportunities for pilgrims to live a life of solidarity with all who are impacted by the criminal justice system. Along the way, participants will be introduced to local partner organizations that are currently working on behalf of those who are currently or formerly incarcerated.

Shane Claiborne, Christian Activist and Author says:

 “As the old saying is, ‘Where you sit can determine what you see,’ and in many ways these men have taught me the good news of the gospel: that no one is beyond redemption, and that we are all more than the worst thing that we’ve ever done.”

 -       FUMC Taylorsville, April 14, 2022

Derrick Quintero (1961-2021), Death Row Inmate
Riverbend Maximum Security Institution | Nashville, Tennessee

“This piece of art is a commentary on the continuing battle for our collective moral worldview. It is a collaborative effort with several of my fellow artists, all of whom reside on Tennessee’s death row. Not all are Christians, or even religious. Several chose to be anonymous. I asked my fellow community members to help create this project to begin a conversation about what Justice looks like.”

“During the two plus months it took to complete this project, we accepted criticism and positive critique from other non-participating community members. Some were fellow prisoners. Some were religious and secular volunteers. Some were correctional officers. It turned into a true community project.”

“I do not know how many opinions we changed inside during this project, but the dialogue was open and honest, beyond what even I imagined. Safe, open dialogue is a prerequisite for the community model created on this death row. We invited dialogue from anyone on how to change the paradigms of our collective lives with those that promote healing and reconciliation within our diverse communities.

More About Covenant Community Church
Covenant Community Church is a United Methodist congregation that believes a growing relationship with Jesus Christ is propelled by deep connection with God, with each other, and with our surrounding community. At Covenant Community, we strive to provide opportunities for those connections to made, provide resources to foster them, and celebrate them whenever they are realized.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Reverends Samuel and Erin Burleson, Co-Pastors
Office: 828-298-8955
Email: sam@cccasheville.org or erin@cccasheville.org