McVeigh execution: The 'circus' comes to Indiana

By Matthew Carlisle
Hoosier UM News Staff Writer

A traveling circus swept through the community of Terre Haute in May. As with any carnival atmosphere, tents were raised, signs were waved and strange characters were parading through town. There was even talk of canceling school for the big "event."

Statement by Bishop Woodie W. White on the McVeigh execution

On April 19, 1995, 168 men, women and children met a horrific death as a result of the bombing of the Oklahoma City Federal Building. I joined millions of Americans on that day in expressing outrage and grief for the victims and their families.

In a few days Timothy McVeigh will be executed as a result of having been found guilty of causing those deaths.

I will, again, find myself in grief. The taking of his life brings no personal joy or satisfaction; while, for many, this may be the case.

The United Methodist Church has consistently expressed its opposition to government mandated executions. On June 11, I will be in prayer for Timothy McVeigh and his family as well as all the families whose lives will be changed forever by his actions.

I call upon all United Methodists in Indiana to join me in prayer on this day.

The "circus" of Timothy McVeigh's execution has lived with the people of Terre Haute since his conviction in 1997. The community of more than 60,000 was invaded by protesters, report ers, hucksters and spectators. Prior to the scheduled date, U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft delayed the execution until June 11. United Methodists in Terre Haute and around the country will continue to grapple with their feelings toward capital punishment until the day of execution and for years to come.

As stated in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (church law), " â€¦ we oppose capital punishment and urge its elimination from all criminal codes." This social principal of the Church has never been so tested than at this time. The hearts of many United Methodists in Terre Haute and throughout the U.S. have been turned by McVeigh's reference to the children of the Oklahoma City bombing as "collateral damage."

As one Terre Haute pastor stated, "I'm on the fence, I have great difficulty sympathizing with someone who killed 19 children."

Naturally at this time, parishioners are coming to their pastors seeking counsel. According to the Rev. John Thomas of Maple Avenue UMC, "I'm seeing lots of confused people. I'm here to listen and let them know that their confusion is OK."

Due to Timothy McVeigh's lack of remorse, much of society finds themselves questioning their stand and their church's stand on capital punishment. According to a Gallup poll taken after the 1997 conviction of Timothy McVeigh, sixty-four percent of Americans believed he should receive the death penalty, compared to thirty-four percent who favored a sentence of life in prison without parole.

A cause of some alarm for pastors is the "fear factor." With the invasion of the media and the anxiety of militia-type retaliation looming, the people of Terre Haute are sensitive to an unknown enemy. "The execution is creating a climate of apprehension," according to the Rev. Bruce Buckley of Memorial UMC, Terre Haute.

Timothy McVeigh will be the first federally executed prisoner in 38 years, the second federal execution in the state of Indiana. Citizens and business owners in Terre Haute don't know what to expect. A service of prayer and hope was scheduled at Memorial UMC. In one of Terre Haute's city parks, an interfaith prayer and watch service was scheduled.

Many in Terre Haute wonder about the lasting effects this execution will have on their community. Will they be known as that place of peace or as one United Methodist stated, "the city of prisons"?

Last updated on 01/14/2004

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