Pastor on Troy Davis: Take My Life Instead

Marvin L. Morgan urges State of Georgia to kill him instead of Davis

There's putting your money where your mouth is, and then there's this. Pastor Marvin L. Morgan of United Church of Christ is so convinced that Troy Davis, who is scheduled to be executed on Wednesday, is an innocent man that he is willing to die in his place if allowed.

Creative Loafing Atlanta reports:

In a letter mailed yesterday to members of the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles, Marvin L. Morgan, a pastor with the United Church of Christ, wrote:

"Because there remains 'reasonable doubt'; in fact, because there remains overwhelming doubt that Mr. Troy Davis is the one who murdered Officer Mark MacPhail … I, Marvin L. Morgan, do hereby request that you authorize the state of Georgia to take my life instead of that of Troy Davis and allow Troy to be set free. I am available immediately to be taken into custody so this request may be implemented."

This isn't the first time Morgan has made such an offer. Back in 2008 he was arrested for refusing to leave then Georgia Governor Sonny Purdue's office until he got a chance to speak with him about the case. Not saying that his actions had a direct impact, but Davis' execution wound up being stayed the next day.

Morgan believes that if his wish is granted that it could possibly put an end to the death penalty.

"I believe if they killed me, it would cause such an uprising that it could bring an end to the death penalty in the United States," he told Creative Loafing. "I believe they will remove him from death row. I am hoping that is what will happen." 

You can view the entire PDF of Morgan's letter here.