Manchester, Alabama, September 22, 2025
News Summary
The Church of the Highlands organized a prayer service to mourn the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was tragically murdered. Lead Pastor Mark Pettus emphasized the shared grief within the community as they reflected on the impact of violence in their lives, calling for unity and prayer. Former pastor Chris Hodges returned to lead in prayer, expressing condolences and underscoring the need for solidarity amidst multiple recent tragedies. The congregation focused on faith-filled grieving while remembering Kirk’s influence on young conservatives.
Manchester, Alabama – The Church of the Highlands held a prayer service on Sunday to mourn the tragic murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed on September 10. Lead Pastor Mark Pettus led the congregation in heartfelt prayers, emphasizing the shared tragedy and pain resulting from Kirk’s untimely death.
During the service, Pettus shared that Kirk’s two high school-aged sons reached out to him shortly after the incident. He revealed that the entire school community had witnessed the horrific event through a video that circulated online. This revelation heightened the emotional atmosphere of the service, as the congregation reflected on the impact of this violent act on families and communities.
Former founding pastor Chris Hodges, who had stepped down earlier in 2023, returned to preach on September 14, just days after Kirk’s murder. He described the moment spent in prayer and reflection as a “beautiful moment,” underscoring a sense of solidarity and mourning within the church community. Hodges took this opportunity to express his condolences to Kirk’s family and others affected by the week’s numerous tragedies, which included the stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, a school shooting in Evergreen, Colorado, and the murder of Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle.
Pettus defined biblical lamenting as “faith-filled grieving,” emphasizing the community’s need for unity and prayer during such trying times. The church has previously faced controversy regarding Hodges’ social media interactions with Kirk, whose comments on race, such as the denial of white privilege being a myth, had sparked criticism from various groups.
The situation escalated in 2020 when the Birmingham Board of Education ended its leases with the Church of the Highlands due to Hodges’ activities on social media, which led to public outcry. As a result, the church built its own facility in Woodlawn after compensating Birmingham City Schools $817,000 to settle prior leasing agreements. Hodges later issued a public apology, acknowledging that his actions had hurt many and vowing to educate himself about racial disparities in America.
Since then, church officials assert that they have successfully rebuilt relationships with both the school board and the Birmingham Housing Authority following these controversies. Charlie Kirk was co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit organization, and was recognized for his mentorship of young conservative activists.
Kirk had significant connections to Alabama, having campaigned against critical race theory and encouraged youth political engagement at events held at the University of Alabama. Following his death, he received widespread political backlash and condemnation from both liberal and conservative channels alike.
His influence on young conservatives in Alabama was notable, as he mentored individuals such as Brilyn Hollyhand and CJ Pearson, both of whom expressed their admiration for him publicly. As the Church of the Highlands described, in times of despair, it is integral for congregants to turn to God and maintain their faith.
FAQ
When was the prayer service held for Charlie Kirk?
The Church of the Highlands held the prayer service on Sunday, following the murder of Charlie Kirk on September 10.
Who led the prayer service at the Church of the Highlands?
Lead Pastor Mark Pettus led the congregation in prayer during the service.
What did Chris Hodges say following Kirk’s murder?
Chris Hodges described the moment of prayer and reflection as a “beautiful moment” and expressed condolences for Kirk’s family.
What prior controversies has the Church of the Highlands faced?
The church faced controversy over Hodges’ social media interactions with Kirk and the subsequent end of its leases with the Birmingham Board of Education in 2020.
Who was Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk was the co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit, and was known for mentoring young conservative activists.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Prayer Service Date | Sunday following Kirk’s murder on September 10 |
| Lead Pastor | Mark Pettus |
| Former Founding Pastor | Chris Hodges |
| Main Topics of Service | Mourning Kirk, prayer for affected families, and reflection on multiple incidents |
| Controversies | Interaction with Charlie Kirk on social media, lease terminations with Birmingham Board of Education |
| Kirk’s Background | Co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, known for mentoring young conservatives |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Church of the Highlands Responds to Charlie Kirk’s Murder
- Wikipedia: Charlie Kirk
- Hudson Valley Post: Vigil for Charlie Kirk
- Google Search: Charlie Kirk
- AL.com: Charlie Kirk’s Ties to Alabama
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Turning Point USA
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