Charlie Kirk effect: Christians online reveal they've been attending Masses to celebrate 'his fearless pursuit of Jesus’
Shortly after Charlie Kirk’s shocking murder, several Christians shared online that they have been attending Masses for the slain Turning Point USA founder.
Shortly after Charlie Kirk’s shocking murder, several Christians shared online that they have been attending Masses for the slain Turning Point USA founder. Kirk, 31, was allegedly shot dead by Tyler Robinson on September 10 during an appearance at a campus event in Utah. The shooting happened around 12:20 pm local time during a student Q&A at UVU in Orem, per a statement from Utah Valley University (UVU).
‘Celebrating his fearless pursuit of Jesus’
Conversations about attending Masses overwhelmed X, with some calling it the “Charlie Kirk effect”. “My son asked if I wanted to go to church with him on Sunday. He’s not a church goer. We’re going to Saturday Mass. The Charlie Kirk effect,” a post on X reads. Another user shared an image of a Mass card from New York, writing, “The Catholic Church where I attended Mass today remembered Charlie Kirk in the priest’s homily. Masses are being offered across the country for the repose of his soul.” One user wrote, “My church @gracechurchstl is having a special tribute service for Charlie Kirk this Sunday, celebrating his fearless pursuit of Jesus and his unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel. Every church should be challenging their men to take the baton now and lead.”
“Tonight we joined many friends at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in DC for a Mass said for Charlie Kirk,” one user shared, posting a series of photos. “Prayed for the repose of Charlie’s soul, for his wife Erika and his beautiful children, for President Trump, VP Vance, everyone in the Trump admin, and many of our friends across the country in TPUSA. Afterwards many of us went to the Capitol to say a rosary for Charlie, his family, colleagues and friends. Please continue to pray for our country!”
One user wrote in a September 11 post, a day after Kirk’s death, “This evening at St. Peter the Apostle ACC, a Requiem Mass was said for Charlie Kirk. It was a grace it could be requested. It was simple and reassuring. We pray God would save us from sudden death, may none of us suffer it. May God forgive and receive the soul of Charlie Kirk.” Another user shared a lengthy post about a “Votive Mass” that was held for Kirk, writing in part, “Charlie's name was announced 5 times outside of the Homily, usually done twice. The adoration beforehand, the candles, frankincense, and reverence were fit for tonight's solemnity. We sang in the glory of traditional Latin, something to truly honor Charlie. We even sang Compline after.”
Charlie Kirk and Christianity
Kirk, often criticized for his controversial remarks, was a defender of conservative values and the Christian faith. He attended various college events, where he encouraged dialogue and debate over cultural and political issues, including Christianity.
"I mean, I'm nothing without Jesus," he told Russell Brand last year. "I'm a sinner. I fall incredibly short of the glory of God. We all do. I gave my life to the Lord in fifth grade, and it's the most important decision I've ever made and everything I do incorporates Jesus Christ."
On September 7, just days before his death, Kirk wrote on X, “Jesus defeated death so you can live.”
