Charlie Kirk Memorial Draws Thousands, Ignites Discussion

How do you approach covering something like this? It’s likely a question that was raised during a Monday morning meeting among news executives and producers.

I truly hope they find the courage to acknowledge it: the largest Christian service filled with witnesses, forgiveness, mourning, and testimony ever witnessed. The scene was striking at State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, where over 100,000 people gathered before dawn to pay their respects.

I can’t recall seeing figures like this from American audiences or online. In this age of echo chambers, broad international reach seems scarce. If there’s a way to gauge attendance or viewership, the numbers must be staggering.

This past Sunday marked a unique day of mourning. Notable figures like Trump, Vice President J.D. V., Marco Rubio, and Secretary of War Pete Hegse were among those honoring Charlie, reflecting heartfelt tributes from his friends, colleagues, and educators, including Hillsdale University President Dr. Larry Earn. The event showcased extraordinary musical talent and production quality from the TPUSA teams.

But how does the media navigate this topic?

Having followed faith in America since 1990 and authored various books and documentaries—including one titled “Searching for the American God” in 1996—I’m all too familiar with the challenges faced in newsrooms where evangelical Christian language isn’t the norm.

I consider myself multilingual when it comes to faith, identifying as an evangelical Roman Catholic Presbyterian. I belong to the tradition of Pope Leo XIII and serve as an elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA). So, I’m kind of in two streams but welcoming both. Like C.S. Lewis, I might say I’m just a “Christian.” Though I’m not a theologian, I’ve delved deep into religious discussions for decades.

A recent Pew Research Center survey indicated that over 60% of Americans identify as Christians, which translates to 2.5 billion Christians worldwide. Regardless of individual faiths, this belief system fundamentally shapes Western civilization. Many who witnessed the events surrounding Charlie believe in those truths, as I do.

Yet, much of modern media seems detached from the heartfelt messages shared during the service. Notable mentions from national leaders emphasized their beliefs in the reality of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, showcasing an explicit testimony.

Trump even highlighted Charlie’s role as an evangelist.

In a poignant moment, Erica Kirk offered public forgiveness towards her husband’s assassin. This act is perhaps among the hardest Christian teachings outlined by Jesus in his famous sermon on the mount.

In that moment, Erica resembled St. Stephen, who prayed for his persecutors, similarly to how Jesus did for his crucifiers in Jerusalem two millennia ago. So, what does Charlie’s tragic death and the powerful evangelistic messages shared on Sunday mean for the future?

I’m not sure, and it seems futile to speculate. Here’s a thought: Christian views are substantial and shouldn’t be confined to a mere news cycle. This year, I had the chance to worship at an old Baptist church in Maine that dates back to 1825. It was there that they appointed what they labeled the “Apostle to Karen” in Myanmar.

That couple sailed to Calcutta two centuries ago, learned the language, and spent years evangelizing before facing tragic circumstances. The lives of many forgotten missionaries often go unrecognized. Yet, even in our current times, there are numerous congregations connected to their efforts.

For example, the Karen Baptist Convention (KBC) in Myanmar is one of the largest denominations, boasting over 1,800 churches and around 287,000 members in Myanmar alone, with additional congregations throughout the U.S. Most people, I think, aren’t aware of figures like George Boardman. Keeping track of these religious legacies can be quite challenging.

The main point is, are people considering what Charlie’s life and service mean to millions, and how those narratives might alter others’ lives?

Reports about the outreach efforts could be just the beginning. Probing into the authorities’ assessments is far more engaging than stifling a story into a “political” or “cultural” construct.

Such stories rarely fit neatly into those boxes. Sure, the Pope and other significant figures come to mind, but the uniqueness of Charlie Kirk’s legacy should pique the interest of serious thinkers.

Many knowledgeable voices can be tapped for insights—like Dr. Albert Mohler, Bishop Robert Barron, former Senator Ben Sasse, or even Pope Leo XIV. I hope most news organizations don’t shy away from tackling stories driven by political motives amidst rising violence in that arena.

Yet, this narrative is something Christians often refer to as “the greatest story ever,” a belief they hold as truth. Kudos to any outlet willing to delve into the significant aspects of Charlie Kirk’s life and his influence on countless individuals throughout history.