Mourning Service Held for Charlie Kirk at Church of the Highlands

Birmingham, Alabama, September 20, 2025

News Summary

The Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama, held a mourning service for Charlie Kirk following his tragic murder. Lead Pastor Mark Pettus expressed condolences and highlighted the profound trauma faced by Kirk’s family. Chris Hodges, the founding pastor who returned to deliver the sermon, emphasized the importance of communal support during such difficult times. The service reflected on the recent violence within the community and Kirk’s significant impact on young conservative activists.

Birmingham, Alabama – The Church of the Highlands held a moment of mourning for Charlie Kirk on September 14, 2023, following his murder on September 10. This service provided a collective space for the congregation as they processed their grief over the tragic event. Lead Pastor Mark Pettus led prayers during the service, acknowledging the heavy emotions present due to the recent violence.

Pettus highlighted the profound trauma experienced by Kirk’s sons, revealing that their entire school had seen the video of their father’s murder shortly after it occurred. This disturbing revelation underscored the far-reaching impact of Kirk’s death on his family and the broader community.

Chris Hodges, the founding pastor of the Church of the Highlands, had previously stepped down earlier in 2023 but returned to lead the sermon on the Sunday following Kirk’s death. In his address, Hodges expressed condolences and solidarity with Kirk’s family and all others affected by the recent tragedies within the community. He reflected on the importance of coming together in faith during such sorrowful times.

In recent history, Hodges faced backlash when he liked social media posts by Kirk that were deemed controversial. This led to the Birmingham Board of Education terminating its leases with the church. Between 2012 and 2020, the church had paid approximately $817,000 to rent facilities from the Birmingham schools. In the wake of the controversy, the Church of the Highlands constructed its own building in Woodlawn to address these issues.

After the situation, Hodges issued an apology, stating he was unaware of the impact his actions would have, and expressed a desire for dialogue with individuals hurt by his likes on social media. Pettus further emphasized the violence in the community by mentioning other recent violent acts, including the stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska and a school shooting in Evergreen, Colorado. He noted that biblical lamenting involves more than just grief; it includes a faith-filled approach to mourning.

During his sermon, Pettus reassured the congregation that the church would stand united, praying and preaching the gospel in the face of collective grief. He highlighted Kirk’s connections to Alabama, mentioning that he had previously visited the University of Alabama to speak against critical race theory back in 2021. Kirk was tragically shot while speaking at an event in Utah, a moment that stirred reactions nationwide.

Both Kirk and Hodges had sparked controversy, with Kirk criticized for his views on white privilege and Hodges facing scrutiny for his social media activities. Young conservative activists from Alabama, notably Brilyn Hollyhand and CJ Pearson, had mentorship relationships with Kirk, highlighting his influence on the next generation of conservative leaders.

Key Facts Summary

• Church of the Highlands held a mourning service on September 14, 2023.
• Charlie Kirk was murdered on September 10, 2023.
• Mark Pettus led prayers acknowledging the collective trauma of Kirk’s sons.
• Chris Hodges returned to lead the sermon after stepping down in 2023.
• Hodges faced backlash for social media actions related to Kirk.
• The church paid approximately $817,000 to rent school facilities from 2012 to 2020.
• The Church of the Highlands built its own facility in Woodlawn.
• Pettus mentioned recent acts of violence including a stabbing and a school shooting.
• Kirk visited the University of Alabama in 2021 to speak against critical race theory.
• Charlie Kirk influenced young conservative activists in Alabama.

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Erika Kirk Appointed CEO of Turning Point USA
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Controversial Banners in Cullman Ignite Outrage and Dismissal

Additional Resources

• AL.com: Church of the Highlands Responds to Charlie Kirk’s Murder
• Fox News: Pastor Charlie Kirk Post Apologizes Online
• ABC 3340: Birmingham Schools Drop Church of the Highlands
• Wikipedia: Charlie Kirk
• Google Search: Charlie Kirk

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