From Violence to Healing

 

A Story of Forgiveness and Healing
 

Wednesday, October 21, 7:00 PM

Room 005, Close/Hipp Building

USC Campus, Columbia, SC

Click here for map.

 

Bill Pelke is the president and cofounder of Journey of Hope - From Violence to Healing and has authored a book with the same title. His story is the subject of three documentaries. He has appeared on "Good Morning America," the "Oprah Winfrey Show," and many other programs. He has been interviewed by NPR, Vatican Radio, and Pacifica.

 

Bill is a board member of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, serving as chair from 2004-08. He is also a founding and present board member of Murder Victims Families for Human Rights and an incorporating board member of Murder Vicitms Families for Reconciliation. He serves on the boards of Alaskans Against the Death Penalty and the Journey of Hope. He is a cofounder of the Abolition Action Committee and the annual Fast and Vigil at the US Supreme Court.

 

In 1985 Bill's grandmother, Ruth Pelke, was murdered by four ninth grade girls. Paula Cooper, fifteen years old at the time of the murder, was deemed to be the ringleader and sentenced to die in the electric chair by the state of Indiana.

 

Originally supportive of the judge's decision, Bill went through a spiritual transformation which led to forgiveness and healing. Bill realized the death penalty was not the proper solution and worked successfully to have Cooper's sentence commuted to 60 years in priosn. She is still in prison today, but no longer under the sentence of death.

 

Bill has dedicated his life to abolition of the death penalty. Hear Bill's story and passion this coming Wednesday at USC. There will be time for questions and refreshments will be provided.

 

Sponsored by Carolina Peace.

PO Box 7933

Columbia, SC 29202

803-446-2772

 

 

 

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