The statement from the SBC, signed by Southern Baptist pastors and leaders, says “political violence is a grave sin and it represents a threat to our nation and its government.” So far, over 4,600 Southern Baptist members have signed the statement with it continuing to grow.
Along with condolences directed to Kirk’s wife, Erika, and her children, the SBC also thanks Kirk for his impact on young people, his public witness for Christ, and his defense on moral issues.
The letter also calls for 'Southern Baptists and all Christian brothers and sisters to recommit ourselves to the defense of life, liberty, and biblical morality in our nation.' It asks that Southern Baptist pray for the assassin’s repentance and salvation and condemns any act of retaliatory violence.
SBC President Clint Pressley says that Southern Baptists were shocked at the assassination just like the rest of the country.
“So many young people being influenced by Charlie Kirk, and then, of course, having the assassination be so public and so gruesome…” says Pressley.
He says that, like Kirk, the SBC knows that the answer to the crisis the world is facing lies in the Word of God.
“God has put in us things we understand to be right and to be wrong. Whether people are Christians or not, there is a real sense of needing to bring back some sense of normalcy, some sense of decency,” states Pressley.
Pressley says the letter is meant to be a starting point where Southern Baptists can carry on the work Kirk started.
“A clear understanding of what the gospel calls us to do and believe, and how we are to act and how we are to respond, especially to national tragedies like what is before us,” explains Pressley.
