Faith Leaders Across Georgia Condemn Political Violence Following Shooting of Charlie Kirk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Faith Leaders Across Georgia Condemn Political Violence Following Shooting of Charlie Kirk
Atlanta, GA – September 10, 2025 — Faith leaders in Atlanta and across the state of Georgia stand united in condemning the shooting and assignation of conservative voice Charlie Kirk in Utah. As leaders grounded in moral conviction and civic responsibility, we affirm that at no point is political violence warranted or acceptable. Violence only begets more violence and erodes the very foundation of our democracy.
At a time when our nation faces profound political and social challenges, violent actions like those witnessed in Utah are grossly un-American. They are a direct assault on the principles of civility, free expression, and peaceful debate that sustain our republic.
Rabbi Peter Berg of The Temple in Atlanta said of the violent attack, “We are called, across our faith traditions, to uphold the sanctity of life and the dignity of every person, regardless of their political beliefs. Attacks on individuals for their views are attacks on all of us, and on the freedoms we cherish.”
Parminder Singh, a community leader in Atlanta’s Sikh Community added, “This event was heart-breaking and we condemn such acts of violence and terror. We stand in complete solidarity with our fellow Americans.”
The undersigned leaders urge all faith and civic leaders to speak with clarity and conviction: acts of political violence, and the rhetoric that fuels them, must be rejected in the strongest possible terms. True leadership demands moral courage, restraint, and an unwavering commitment to resolve our differences through dialogue rather than destruction.
As Georgians, and as Americans, we call upon our communities to model a better path—one rooted in respect, civility, and the enduring promise of our democracy.
- Rabbi Peter Berg, The Temple
- Rev. Jennifer Butler, Faith in Democracy
- Pastor Micah Fries, Multi-Faith Neighbors Network
- Rabbi Josh Hearshen, Congregation Or Veshalom
- Monica Mainwaring, Rector, St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church
- Wesley Myrick, Ga Interfaith Public Policy Center
- Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser, President, Interfaith Atlanta
- Pastor Randy Rainwater, Grace New Hope Church
- Parminder Singh, Sikh Community of Atlanta Leader
- Rev Sean Smith, Senior Pastor, New Horizon Baptist Church
- Rev. John Vaughn, Ebenezer Baptist Church
- Reverend Robert Wright, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta
First Five Freedoms is a group of concerned citizens, faith and civic leaders from across the spectrum of political and religious beliefs, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, who regard that noble experiment to be under attack. We seek to create a peaceful Civil Rights–inspired movement to defend our five First Amendment freedoms and condemn extremist rhetoric and political violence.
