Erika Kirk’s Forgiveness Speech Unites Political Spectrum
People are still talking about the selfless act
Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, brought Christians to tears and stunned even the most progressive commentators when she forgave his killer during a speech at his memorial service on Sunday.
“I forgive him, because it was what Christ did and is what Charlie would do,” she said, according to Fox News. “The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love, is always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”
Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect charged in Kirk’s murder, was much like the other young men her husband encountered, Erika said. Charlie “wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” she said. “Our Savior said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ That young man… I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it’s what Charlie would do.”
Many public figures and commentators have praised her words on social media and other platforms.
“No doubt so many people deeply moved across the country by Erika Kirk forgiving, for doing what Jesus Christ asked his followers to do,” MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough said. “To pray for your enemies, to love your enemies, to pray for those who persecute you. And so much of the service from the people who knew Charlie, loved him, worshipped with him, grew up with him, family members of him, his pastor. It was a message of love and mercy and forgiveness.”
READ: Charlie Kirk and the Apostle Paul
Ex-MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan called the speech powerful. “I don’t think I could forgive someone who murdered my spouse, so I’m not going to pretend this was anything other than a powerful, very moving, very Christian statement from Charlie Kirk’s widow Erika,” Hasan wrote
“Forgiveness is beautiful,” former presidential candidate Andrew Yang posted on X.
CNN commentator Xochitl Hinojosa, who previously served as communications director for the Democratic National Committee, said she “came to the moment. She understood that people need to be brought together.”
Public figures on the right also lauded Erika Kirk’s message of forgiveness.
“Erika Kirk’s remarks.. I have no words,” activist and former swimmer Riley Gaines said. “This is exactly what America needed to hear. Filled with love, strength, compassion, honesty and forgiveness. This is the most powerful speech I’ve ever heard.”
“I have never witnessed anything more powerful or moving,” singer Kid Rock wrote.
Former auto racer Danica Patrick, who attended the service, also commended the speech.
“It was a moving day honoring Charlie Kirk’s life,” she said. “So many emotional and thoughtful speeches and so much internal strength demonstrated by his wife. Charlie would ask, `God use, me for your will. Well, none of us wanted this, but it seems God has a pretty big plan for you, because not even death could stop your mission. In fact, it’s stronger than ever.”
–Alan Goforth
