As the Bishop of Green Bay, I often find myself navigating through tensions in our increasingly divided world. Even the title of this article, or the mention of the name Charlie Kirk, can spark strong reactions. Yet, I try to build bridges and encourage dialogue.
It is important for me to mention how I will be watching his memorial vigil today and why — Not to stoke division, but to honor a life that embodied courage in sharing truth, even amid fierce disagreement, and how his faith seemed to compel him to proclaim those truths even unto death.
Charlie boldly proclaimed spiritual, cultural, and moral truths on a global stage, engaging those who lauded him and those who loathed him alike. And while we may not have agreed 100% with every position he took or how he delivered his message, he died for what he stood for in the midst of doing this work.
This leaves me asking: How do I live my faith; how do we live our faith? How do we engage one another? Where is God leading us? It also reminds us of the sixth commandment: “Thou shalt not kill.” Regardless of differences we may have among us, we must never take the life of another for it – whether in the manner in which Charlie Kirk died or even lesser ways where one might be tempted to calumnize, slander, or degrade someone with whom we might disagree.
I’m drawn to Charlie’s example of listening. For over a decade, he invited people—many who vehemently disagreed—to step up to the microphone and dialogue; and, imperfect as he was, he modeled respectful exchange while holding firm to truth. As Catholics, we can learn from this. Our Church thrives on dialogue, not division. Let’s listen to all we’re hearing, take it in and take it to prayer, and then let’s commit to more listening and fostering mutual respect that changes culture for the better.
There is a generational awakening happening to which we must pay attention. I see several examples of how young people are finding their voice, rejecting the world’s empty promises and embracing faith, morality, and a commitment to life built on solid foundations.
It’s no coincidence Charlie’s death followed the canonizations of St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati—icons for youth and young adults. St. Carlo’s mother dreamed his sainthood would spark a massive return of young people to the Church. So too, might Charlie’s work and witness fuel further the fire of revival, as he encouraged a return to faith, prayer, church attendance, and social involvement.
While we might not have agreed with everything he stood for or the way he engaged others, we have this – He witnessed to the faith, proclaimed the Gospel, and gave his life for this. His message is resonating deep within young hearts, as well as inspiring renewal in families and a fierce protection of all life, alongside constitutional freedoms like religion and speech.
Today, on this International Day of Peace, we recall the Beatitudes where Jesus taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” and “Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” Charlie, an evangelical in faith but respectful of the Catholic Church, found peace in Jesus and in that peace reached out to share that with others. We entrust him to Jesus’ Divine Mercy and pray for him and his family.
As I watch the re-broadcast later this evening with a discerning heart, I will commit everything I see and experience to prayer for our nation, for those impacted by this tragedy, and for those in my care within the Diocese of Green Bay.
Charlie’s favorite verse was Romans 8:28: “All things work together for good for those who love God.” We can take great encouragement from this passage. Indeed, God can bring good even out of a tragedy such as this one.
Please join me in praying today:
God, let Your Kingdom flourish in our nation and in our hearts. Give us your peace, secure us in your love, and lead our nation further into revival. Amen.
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us!
I invite sincere, respectful dialogue wherever this article is shared and throughout the weeks and months ahead. Let us ascend to greater life, life in Christ together, and share His love abundantly with others.