About Jeff Hood

The Rev. Dr. Jeff Hood is a Catholic priest (Old Catholic), theologian, and nationally recognized activist based in North Little Rock, Arkansas. A spiritual advisor to death row inmates across the country, Dr. Hood has accompanied more people to their executions than any other advisor in the U.S., including the first-ever nitrogen hypoxia execution in 2024. His work sits at the intersection of justice, radical compassion, and public theology. Dr. Hood holds advanced degrees from Auburn, Emory, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, University of Alabama, Creighton, and Brite Divinity School, among others. He also earned a PhD in metaphysical theology and founded The New Theology School, where he serves as Dean and Professor of Prophetic Theology. Author of over 100 books—including the award-winning The Courage to Be Queer—Dr. Hood’s writings and activism have been featured in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, NPR, CNN, and more. A frequent collaborator with men on death row, he sees theology as a shared, liberative act. Dr. Hood has served on the leadership teams of organizations like the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty and the Fellowship of Reconciliation. His activism has earned multiple awards, including recognition from PFLAG and the Next Generation Action Network. On July 7, 2016, Dr. Hood led the Dallas protest against police brutality that ended in tragedy. His actions that night saved lives, and his story is now archived in the Dallas Public Library. A father of five, husband to Emily, and friend to the incarcerated, Dr. Hood rejects institutionalism in favor of a theology rooted in people, presence, and prophetic witness.

All Posts by Jeff

Bread Alone?

Bread Alone? Matthew 4:1–11 The desert was quiet in a way that... read more

Ash Wednesday: The Call of the Dust

The Weight of Ash Wednesday Beloved, today we receive ashes upon our... read more

The Death Penalty and the Prophetic Legacy of...

Jesse Jackson and the Death Penalty The passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson... read more

Deadly Hearts : On Matthew 5:21-22

"You've been taught since childhood: don't murder, and murderers will face the... read more

The Untold Struggle of Death Penalty Habeas Attorneys

Death Penalty Habeas Attorneys The writ of habeas corpus stands as the... read more

Governor DeSantis Must Stop Ronald Heath's Execution

A Call for Mercy and Reason: Governor DeSantis Stop Ronald Heath's Execution!... read more

The Salt of the Earth: The Prophetic Call...

Matthew 5:13-16 Salt of the Earth: Decay Disrupters When Jesus looked at... read more

Did Jared Farmer Kill Kelli Bailey?

While Paul Glen Everett was convicted and sentenced to death for the... read more

Mercy for Charles Burton Isn't Weakness – It's...

*quick note: Charles Burton is known to his friends and loved ones... read more

The Beatitudes: A Revolution in Every Generation

The Beatitudes Matthew 5:1-12a The Empire and the Word When Jesus saw... read more

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