September 12, 2025 6:27pm MDT
The first presidency of the Latter-day Saints’ Church of Jesus Christ issued a statement on Friday afternoon, September 12th, denounced violence and called for peace. The latter emphasizes the need to build a community of greater love and peace.
The statement sparks the shooting death of political commentator Charlie Kirk on Wednesday, September 10th, during a rally at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, during announcing the arrest of the suspect in a shooting.
“The Church of Jesus Christ, the Latter-day Saints, condemns horrific violence around the world, including the recent assassination of Utah,” said a statement from President Russell M. Nelson and his two presidential counselors, President Darrin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring. “We affirm our repeated calls for peace and unity despite our differences, and Jesus Christ teaches us to love one another.
“We urge everyone to reject violence and instead build understanding. We must recognize that we are all God’s children and treat each other with dignity, compassion and respect. As we grieve with those who have experienced the loss and care of those who live in fear and conflict, we call on people everywhere to build a greater community of kindness and love.”
Kirk died after being shot in the neck during a rally on September 10th and an appearance at UVU. Tyler Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, was arrested and taken into custody the following night.
Previous Church Statement
On the afternoon of the September 10th shooting, the church expressed sadness to Kirk’s family, denounced violence as well as made a statement in pursuit of peace, kindness and goodness.
“It’s a great sadness to learn about the shooting that took place at Utah Valley University that led to the death of Charlie Kirk,” church spokesman Doug Andersen said in a statement.
“Our prayers go out to his family at this point. We condemn violence and lawless behavior. We also pray that we treat each other with kindness, compassion and goodness. We reaffirm that for church members the Savior’s teachings and advice is to love our neighbor.”
President Nelson’s manipulation: “We all deserve dignity and respect.”
Later last week, President Nelson wrote an OP-ED entitled “We Are All Deserved of Dignity and Respect,” published on Time Magazine on Friday, September 5th.
The prophets and presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ have acknowledged that it is a privilege I had never expected.
“These lasting truths hold us in turbulent times,” he writes.
President Nelson, who celebrated his 101st birthday on Tuesday, September 9th, said he wanted to share two truths on his birthday.
1. “Intrinsic Value and Dignity”
“Each of us has inherent value and dignity. I think we are all children of our loving Heavenly Father,” writes President Nelson. “But recognizing the fundamental truth under this belief that we all deserve dignity, regardless of your religion or spirituality, it brings to emotional, mental, spiritual and spiritual equilibrium – and the more you accept it, the less anxiety and fear about your future.”
Life is a horrible thing, and admitting that he is battling anxiety about many, especially young people, that belong and value, President Nelson said, “The heart that knows it is loved remains focused on stability, confidence and hope, regardless of what is happening in life or what is not happening.”
2. “Love your neighbor… with compassion and respect.”
“I love your neighbor and treat you with compassion and respect,” he wrote. “One century experience certainly taught me this: anger never persuades, hostility never heals, conflict does not lead to lasting solutions.
President Nelson recited a call to Peacemakers, “building a bridge of understanding, not a wall of prejudice,” reminiscing of the days when he saw bitter divisions eased when he chose to listen with respect rather than doubt.
“Even small acts that cross lines of faith, culture and politics can open the door to healing,” he writes. “Every children of God have the power to impart the human dignity they deserve to others.”
He emphasized that such efforts will begin at home, saying, “While family is by no means perfect, it remains one of the most powerful sources of stability and meaning in life.
