Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Bishop urges unity after activist’s death
Published: September 16, 2025
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following statement, titled "On Human Dignity, Political Violence and Rediscovering Our Common Human Bonds,” Sept. 16, 2025.
"Given the events of the last several days in our country, it would be difficult for those following the news not to know of the recent horrific assassination and murder of Charlie Kirk — a Christian, a conservative political activist and a young husband and father to two young children. Even if, like me, you weren’t familiar with him before the events of this past week, most have witnessed the resultant anguish and division caused by his killing.
"This devastation is not limited just to his wife and children, family and friends, political supporters and proponents of free speech. Perhaps the most troubling devastation has been those elements of our society that would rejoice in another man’s public and gruesome execution.
"An execution that occurred for all to see, and whose underlying motive appears to have been having a difference in ideas. The enjoyment that some seem to derive from the suffering, downfall, or even death of an opponent is not limited to one side or the other of the ideological spectrum, even if it’s been brought into particular focus here of late.
"Some have demanded some kind of immediate response from me. But, as with most issues, it’s important first to listen, to reflect and to understand. To be sure, some of Mr. Kirk’s beliefs were perfectly consistent with Catholic Christian teaching, whereas others would not be consistent with our Catholic worldview. Part of the beauty of our Catholic faith is that ours is a universal, worldwide Church — uniting us well beyond the borders of any given country or nationality. Hence, a worldview that sometimes differs fundamentally.
"You, the members of my flock in this diocese, know that I speak out often on issues like immigration, race, poverty and peace. But you also know that I have preached boldly on issues like abortion, same-sex unions or the deceptions of gender ideology. At their core, none of these are conservative issues or liberal issues. They are Catholic Christian issues. And they are human dignity issues.
"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. 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.
"It may be that much of this violence is simply part of our fallen human condition — as old as Cain and Abel. But it cannot be that we, as fellow humans, grow weary of feeling empathy for one another in each other’s daily plights. When we only see our opponent as an opponent — or the other as the other — we lose sight of those common human bonds that connect us more integrally than might be readily apparent.
"It’s our common human bonds that should give us empathy for the unborn child at risk of abortion; for the homeless and mentally unwell; for the immigrant fleeing oppression and hardship; for the victims of war, 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. 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.
"Genesis tells us that God created all human beings in his image and likeness. Each of us bears the imprint of God. That imprint grants us a fundamental dignity that can never be taken away. But if we ignore it, we do so at the risk of our country, our society, our 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.
"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.'
"Yours Sincerely in Christ,
+Anthony B. Taylor
Bishop of Little Rock"
