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CSLR alumna honored at Candler
By CSLR | Emory Law | Sep 15, 2017 12:09:00 AM

Sarah Gerwig-Moore (right) with Candler Dean Jan Love and the Rev. Timothy McDonald III:
Photo Credit: Candler School of Theology

Sarah Gerwig-Moore (JD/MTS 2002) was honored as a distinguished alumna by Candler School of Theology. As Associate Professor at Mercer University School of Law, she established the Habeas Project, which has provided pro bono representation to more than 70 cases before the Supreme Court of Georgia as well as other cases involving urgent constitutional matters.

She represented childhood classmate Joshua Bishop in his death penalty case, but he was denied clemency and executed in 2016. She now speaks about capital punishment. “I never want to stop telling Josh’s story,” she told Emory Lawyer.

Gerwig-Moore was formerly the Senior Appellate Supervising Attorney in the Office of the Public Defender in Macon. She has served two terms on the Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission, including four years as chair. She is the founding co-chair of the College Hill Corridor Commission, an organization noted for its progress in neighborhood revitalization and efforts to ensure transparency through civic engagement.

In recognizing her accomplishments, Candler described her work this way: “Professor Gerwig-Moore’s dedication to justice for the marginalized and her commitment to the highest standard of intellectual and theological integrity are enormous contributions to the common good.”

She was honored alongside the Rev. Timothy McDonald III, pastor at First Iconium Baptist Church in Atlanta and longtime advocate for the city’s black community.