The 3 - September 14, 2025

The death of Christian and conservative commentator, founder of Turning Point USA, has certainly struck a nerve across our culture.  In the aftermath of the fatal shooting on Wednesday in Utah and the apprehension of a suspect, who grew up in a conversative family, the son of a minister, who had adopted radical ideas, the nation has had plenty of comments about the nature of attempting to silence someone with whom a person disagrees.

Troy Miller, President and CEO of National Religious Broadcasters, said: "Charlie’s influence reached beyond politics; he created space for principled public discourse at a time when it is desperately needed. He championed speech over violence and conviction over compromise, inspiring a generation to stand for faith and freedom."  He added, "Charlie embodied what it meant to speak the truth in love..."

Several Faith Radio programmers made comments relative to the impact of the life, and now death of Charlie Kirk. According to the NRB website, Jack Hibbs said: "Charlie was known as an intellectual giant, a very compassionate young man, and one who was tirelessly devoted to this nation’s welfare and our glorious republic..”  The site also quoted Greg Laurie, who stated, "Charlie… 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."

On Facebook, the ministry of David Jeremiah, which is also called Turning Point, unrelated to Kirk's organization, issued a statement on its Facebook page, including these words:

“This was a young man made in God’s image and his death is tragic. I am praying for his family and friends. May God’s comfort, grace, and peace sustain Charlie’s family at this time,” said Dr. Jeremiah.

His organization has undoubtedly made an impact on the American political landscape. Violence and actions that bring harm to others stand in direct contrast to God’s commandments. In moments like these let’s stand together in prayer, with grace and mercy, reflecting His love.

This past week affecting the Christian community started promising enough, with the second meeting of the Religious Liberty Commission, established by President Trump to uphold constitutional principles of religious freedom.  On its website, the James Dobson Family Institute noted:

The commission heard from students who had experienced discrimination and censorship because of their faith, as well as having been forced to participate in activities that violated their faith. Parents whose children had been “socially transitioned” by school officials without the parents’ knowledge, and in violation of their faith, addressed the commission as well.

President Trump also delivered a major address to the Religious Liberty Commission. The president reaffirmed his commitment to defend our God-given freedom of religion.

World Magazine also reported that, "The Department of Education planned to release new guidance on protecting the right to pray in schools, President Donald Trump shared Monday." The article also stated: "Free religious exercise is a constitutionally protected, founding principle for all citizens, Education Department spokeswoman Savannah Newhouse told WORLD in a Monday statement. The Department of Education looked forward to supporting Trump in promoting religious liberty in schools across the country, she added.

That article also related that the President highlighed a number of steps his administration had taken to uphold the freedom of religion, including pardons of pro-life protestors, an attempt to loosen political speech by pastors, and cracking down on First Amendment violations at various colleges.

The James Dobson organization, in its coverage of the Religious Liberty Commission meeting last Monday at Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, added this piece of information: "Toward the end of his remarks, President Trump asked Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner to speak. Secretary Turner, who is also a pastor and one of many strong Christians serving throughout the administration, announced a major prayer initiative leading up to the 250th anniversary of the United States, July 4, 2026. The goal is to mobilize millions of Americans to gather regularly to pray for our country and our citizens. JDFI will enthusiastically join this effort.

So will National Religious Broadcasters, announcing on its website: "The America Prays initiative invites Americans to rededicate the nation as 'one nation under God' by praying collectively for America’s leaders, people, and future. The White House encourages citizens to gather weekly in groups of at least ten for one hour of prayer in preparation for the nation’s 250th birthday."

Troy Miller, President and CEO of NRB, stated: “We are grateful to the White House for convening this extraordinary moment and for affirming the enduring role of faith in public life,” adding, “As Christian communicators, we know that every broadcast, every message, and every prayer carries the power of God’s truth to reach hearts and renew our nation for generations to come.”

The White House, on its website, noted:

As we celebrate 250 years of freedom, this is an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the principles that gave birth to this land of liberty. As George Washington famously said in his Farewell Address, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.”