Jacksonville, Fla. – Late Monday, Oct. 22, in a divided opinion, two judges on the United States Supreme Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, vacated the stay of execution of John Ferguson, a severely mentally ill man who has been diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic for more than 40 years. Absent intervention by the United States Supreme Court, it is possible Florida will kill this man who currently suffers from delusions, including that he is the “Prince of God,” as early as this evening (Oct. 23) at 6 p.m.
The Diocese of St. Augustine, regardless of the pending ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, will hold prayer vigils in various locations around the diocese:
- Duval County – Father Ed Rooney will lead a Prayer Vigil at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 121 E. Duval Street, Jacksonville, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Flagler County – Jackie Morelewicz will lead a Prayer Vigil in front of the Flagler County Courthouse, 1769 E. Moody Blvd. in Bunnell, from 5-6 p.m.
- St. Johns County – Nancy O’Byrne will lead a Prayer Vigil in front of the St. Augustine Beach City Hall at the corner of A1A and 16th Street, from 5:15-6:15 p.m.
The Catholic Bishops of Florida, in a statement released Oct. 11, 2012, affirm the dignity of every person, both victims and offenders. “We reject state sanctioned killing and ask the State of Florida to join the growing number of states who have rejected execution and enacted the option of life in prison without possibility for parole,” the statement said.
The statement also acknowledges the pain of the victim’s families: “We offer our sincere sympathy to the families of the multiple victims who suffered from Mr. Ferguson’s actions and pray they have received comfort and healing in their time of need. All people are made in the image and likeness of God, even those who have done great harm. Given the ability of the modern penal system to protect society and a growing moral aversion to the death penalty, justice and punishment can be achieved by incarcerating offenders for life.”