Rev. Larry Turpin - Bringing Peace To Death
Row
When asked to visit accused killer Madison Hobley, Rev. Larry Turpin didn't hesitate because he believes there are no "expendable people."

His commitment to visit and counsel Hobley lasted 16 years, according to the Chicago Tribune, who profiled the minister this fall. Their bi-monthly meetings behind bars continued after Hobley was convicted and sentenced to Death Row. It only ended when Gov. George Ryan pardoned Hobley in January, ruling that authorities wrongly convicted him.

Rev. Turpin began meeting with Hobley at the request of Hobley's sister after he was charged with setting a fire that killed seven people in Chicago, according to the Tribune. Rev. Turpin, who still keeps in touch with Hobley, quickly agreed to the visits even though he had never stepped foot in a prison before. He later helped Hobley prove his innocence.

Rev. Turpin, a Presbyterian minister, is pastor of the United Church of Hyde Park, which is near CTU. This month he will receive the Restorative Justice Award from the Presbyterian Church (USA) in recognition of his efforts to free Hobley.

Rev. Turpin answered questions about faith and peace for Peacebuilders.

What inspires you?
I am inspired by many things and people. I am inspired by Danny Davis, Angela Davis, Jonathan Peck, Madison Hobley, and many others who understand the evils that affect our society and will speak the truth. I am inspired by forests, the lake, and mountains. I am inspired by the members of my congregation who live faithful lives. I am inspired by God. I am inspired by the Bible and its record of experiences with God.

What is the biggest obstacle to peace?
The biggest obstacle to peace is sin. When I say sin I do not just mean all the little failures and shortcomings that everyone has, I mean the tendency of human beings to undue pride, to power and domination, to think only about our appetites, to forget that God and not we are the end of our actions. Whether these are expressed as racism in American society, our arrogant exploitation of the earth and its resources or our over-dependence on military force these are sin and the greatest obstacles to peace.

What is the biggest challenge faced by the church?
The biggest challenge that this church faces is to adapt to the changing society so that it can still communicate the Good News of Jesus, the anointed one. For may years American churches have been very comfortable with an institutional model of the church, that is, that the Church Universal is indeed composed of all these organizations with buildings and programs and professional staff. Contemporary society does not see that these are necessarily connected and will go to many places to find their spiritual nourishment. This means that churches need to change the way they are available to and connect with individuals. It is the constant challenge to communicate within a social context.

What is one of your favorite scripture passages?
Ps. 19:1-4
The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims God's handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
This is a clear statement of natural revelation and one I enjoy.

Where do you get your news?
I get the news by reading the newspaper, listening to the radio, watching TV, reading some websites and by receiving emails for some organizations.

What nurtures your faith?
My work nurtures me in the faith. I study the Bible and write and preach sermons, I lead worship, I counsel with people to help them, to listen to them and to empower them, I am an activist, I pray with groups and committees, I work to make the church more effective in communicating the gospel. All of these activities nurture me in faith.

What would you advise the next generation of church leaders?
I would advise the next generation of church and civic leaders to have a good analysis of sin and evil, both so that they are not taken in and so that they can formulate effective policies. I would advise them to listen to the marginalized That is our only way of developing a critique of our ideology. I would encourage them to develop an ethic that encompasses "the good of all" (including all of creation, not just humankind.)