Arkansas bishop urges empathy, unity following Kirk’s assassination

Bishop Anthony Taylor of the Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas, issued a statement Sept. 16 in response to Charlie Kirk’s assassination, condemning political polarization and calling for unity found in shared humanity across the ideological spectrum.

Bishop Taylor mourned the fact that some would openly celebrate or enjoy another person’s death and expressed sorrow that the motive for Kirk’s death “appears to have been having a difference in ideas.”

“I worry that we have gone down paths, on the extremes of both sides, where we no longer make an effort to see our common human dignity — even if we might disagree,” he said. “This isn’t just about the latest act of political violence. It’s a culmination of acts of violence against members of both parties; against churches and schools; against groups of students on campuses based on their religion and ethnicity; against groups in neighborhoods based on their foreign ancestry.”

Bishop Taylor pondered whether “violence is simply part of our fallen human nature” but worried that a lack of empathy and ability to see “common human bonds” could grow to be the norm. He added that an awareness of shared humanity gives rise to compassion and support for unborn babies at risk of being aborted, people who are homeless, mentally unwell, immigrants, and war victims, “no matter which side.”

“My brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter which side of the political aisle or theological spectrum you might be on, I beg you to find ways to recognize, honor and cherish the common humanity amongst those around you,” he urged. “Including in — especially in — those who don’t think just like you, act just like you, look just like you or live just where you live.”

The bishop reminded the faithful that each human is made in the image and likeness of God, which grants each life “a fundamental dignity that can never be taken away.” He cautioned that ignoring human dignity risks the downfall of the country, society, humanity, and “ultimately our own souls.”

“In such times of distress, division, and discord, I exhort each of us to redouble our efforts to look for the imprint of God in each and every one,” Bishop Taylor said. “To give the benefit of the doubt to others, rather than suspicion. To presume charity from others, rather than malice. And to see others through the eyes of God, who looked upon his creation and called it ‘very good.’”