Pastors, Evangelical Leaders React to the Killing of Charlie Kirk: ‘A Christian Martyr’
Christian pastors and Evangelical leaders are joining the chorus of Americans nationwide who are mourning the loss of Christian social activist Charlie Kirk.
While expressing shared grief over the significant loss for his millions of followers, and, more importantly, his family and close friends, many are reflecting on God’s promise of salvation through Christ and everlasting life for those who believe in Him.
Several questions remain about the identity of the shooter who, with one lone bullet, killed Kirk during a Q&A with attendees at TPUSA’s “The American Comeback Tour” stop at Utah Valley University at 12:20 p.m. local time on Wednesday.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox described the fatal shooting as a targeted “political assassination” and warned that his state still has the death penalty.
Cox added that as the nation looks ahead to its 250th anniversary and the shared history of the freedom of speech and debate, which Kirk was exercising in the exchange of ideas, citizens should think deeply about “where we want to be.”
“To ask ourselves, ‘Is this it? Is this what 250 years has brought on us?’ I pray that that’s not the case,” he added.
(The following are abbreviated comments from Evangelical leaders about Kirk’s death):
Franklin Graham
In a post, Evangelist Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, acknowledged Kirk’s conservative activism, but, more importantly, he noted his deep faith in Christ that he boldly shared with others.
“What a tragedy. It has been announced that Charlie Kirk has died after being shot during an event at Utah Valley University today. This young man loved his country and invested his time and energy in trying to make it the best it could be. He stood boldly for conservative values and defended free speech for all of us,” he wrote.
Greg Laurie
Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship in California and Hawaii mourned the loss of Kirk and hailed his courage and “unwavering voice for biblical truth.” He also reminded believers of the assurance of salvation and that those who put their faith in Christ will one day be reunited with their loved ones.
“This is an incredible loss. Charlie was such a courageous young man. He was not only a bold and unwavering voice for biblical truth in our culture, but also a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, a husband, and a family man. He will be deeply missed.
“As shocking as this news is, we can take comfort in knowing that Charlie is now in Heaven.
“The moment he took his last breath here on earth, he took his first breath in the presence of the Lord. That is the hope we hold on to as believers — eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
Samuel Rodriguez
Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, who also recently spoke at TPUSA’s Faith Forward Pastors Summit in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, shared his grief and outpouring of prayers.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the entire Kirk family as we grieve the death of Charlie Kirk,” he wrote on social media. “We are deeply saddened by the news of this horrific shooting. In moments like these we remember the words of the psalmist, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
Jentezen Franklin
Pastor Jentezen Franklin of Free Chapel, a multi-campus church based in Georgia, shared prayers for Kirk on Wednesday afternoon after first learning that he had been shot, and again hours later when it was announced that he did not survive the targeted attack on his life.
In a post on social media Wednesday night, Frankin said, “Today, Charlie Kirk was engaged in one of the most quintessentially American things possible. He was peacefully debating his fellow citizens in a spirited conversation. A bullet may have ended his life here on earth, but he is now safely in the arms of Jesus.”
Dr. Ben Carson
Dr. Ben Carson, a former neurosurgeon and former secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development during President Donald Trump’s first administration, shared several posts offering prayers for Kirk’s family and the reliance on faith in such difficult times.
“Charlie Kirk closed his eyes to this earth for the last time … and opened them to eternity for the first. A powerful video where he shares his journey of faith. His life was short, but a life well-lived. Rest in peace, brother. Your wisdom will echo through the lives you’ve touched, and your influence will remain forever irreplaceable.”
(Source: Christian Post)
