Tennessee Catholic and Episcopal Bishops Ask Governor to Spare Christa Pike's Life

Catholic and Episcopal bishops in Tennessee have asked Governor Bill Lee to spare the life of Christa Pike and prevent further attempts to carry out her death sentence. In an ecumenical appeal sent to the governor on October 1, the bishops argued that the state can hold individuals accountable for grave violence without taking another life.

The request follows two failed attempts to administer lethal injections to Pike on September 30. Pike, 50, was convicted of the 1995 murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer. After surviving two doses of the lethal drugs, Pike was moved to a hospital.

Governor Lee has suspended all executions in Tennessee for the rest of 2026 and ordered an independent review of the incident. The bishops stated that their position does not minimize the murder of Slemmer or the suffering of her family, but maintains that accountability does not require death.