wfn.org | Florida Episcopal bishops request clemency for Lionel Tate

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2001-73

Florida Episcopal bishops request clemency for Lionel Tate

by Mary Cox

     (ENS) The bishops of the Florida Episcopal dioceses have sent a letter to 
Florida Governor Jeb Bush, requesting clemency for 14-year-old Lionel Tate, who 
was sentenced last month to life in prison, without parole, for the beating death 
of a six-year-old playmate. Tate was only 12 years old when the crime was 
committed.

     "We are not excusing his actions," the bishops' letter says, "but we believe 
the judgment is disproportionate in the case of a minor and punishment is cruel 
and unusual.

     We are appealing to your humanity for a less harsh treatment of this young 
boy. The eyes of the world are upon us, and by exercising clemency we would be 
demonstrating our ability to work toward redemption and rehabilitation rather 
than vengeance."

     The letter, dated March 27, is signed by the Rt. Rev. Leo Frade, bishop of 
the Diocese of Southeast Florida, which includes 81 congregations from Jensen 
Beach to Key West, and is submitted on behalf of six other Florida bishops: 
Southeast Florida's Bishop Suffragan John Said and retired Bishop Calvin O. 
Schofield, Jr.; Charles Duvall, bishop of Central Gulf Coast; John Howe, bishop 
of Central Florida; Stephen Jecko, bishop of Florida; and John Lipscomb, bishop 
of Southwest Florida.

      (The complete text of the bishops' letter follows.)

     Dear Governor:

     Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We, all Anglican Bishops of 
the Episcopal Church in the State of Florida, are writing requesting clemency for 
the 14 year-old boy, Lionel Tate, who was sentenced on March 9th, 2001 to life in 
prison without the opportunity of parole for a crime he committed when he was 12 
years old.

     We are not excusing his actions, but we believe the judgment is 
disproportionate in the case of a minor and punishment is cruel and unusual.

     We are appealing to your humanity for a less harsh treatment of this young 
boy. The eyes of the world are upon us, and by exercising clemency we would be 
demonstrating our ability to work toward redemption and rehabilitation rather 
than vengeance.

     We sincerely thank you on behalf of the Episcopal Church in the State of 
Florida for your time and consideration to this matter.

     Many blessings,

     The Rt. Rev. Leopold Frade, D.D.

     Diocese of Southeast Florida

     Submitted on behalf of the following Bishops:

     The Rt. Rev. Charles F. Duvall, D.D.

     Diocese of Central Gulf Coast

     The Rt. Rev. John W. Howe, D.D.

     Diocese of Central Florida

     The Rt. Rev. Stephen H. Jecko

     Diocese of Florida

     The Rt. Rev. John B. Lipscomb

     Diocese of Southwest Florida

     The Rt. Rev. John L. Said

     Diocese of Southeast Florida

     The Rt. Rev. Calvin O. Schofield, Jr.

     Diocese of Southeast Florida

--Mary Cox is communications coordinator for the Diocese of Southeast Florida.