The Episcopal Diocese of Utah stands in alliance with all who deeply lament the shooting that occurred today just north of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at Utah Valley University in Orem. Twenty minutes into an event, conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk was shot, and was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Our prayers are with Mr. Kirk’s family and friends as the shock of this news settles upon them. We hold in our prayers the victims of emotional trauma who were present at today’s event and the entire Utah Valley University community. We give thanks and ask for protection for all law enforcement and first responders.
Christ stands with the victims of violence and challenges us to build a society rooted in compassion, dignity, and justice. As people of faith we believe Jesus Christ calls us to confront injustice and ideological differences with integrity and truth but never through the use of physical force or intimidation. Violence is an unacceptable response to disagreement.
“We often say that we will pray for the victims and their families, and pray we must. But our faith demands more from us. We must guard the hatred in our hearts and on our lips; it is hatred and righteous indignation that leads to violence. Jesus said plainly, ‘it is that which is on our lips and in our hearts that defiles us.’” said The Rt. Rev. Phyllis A. Spiegel, 12th Bishop of Utah.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we hear again his commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). In this love our prayers were not ever intended as passive vessels, but active. We are called not only to intercede for those affected but also to stand together against violence.
As the Episcopal Church of Utah, we recommit ourselves to the way of Christ: praying fervently, speaking truthfully, resisting violence, and strengthening communities across differences. When we tolerate rhetoric of division or language that turns neighbors into “others,” we erode the bonds of community and create conditions where violence becomes a part of the narrative.
We as a church, and as a society, must change the narrative.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. Phyllis Spiegel
12th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah