Local Leaders Condemn Political Violence, Charlie Kirk Shooting

Faith leaders in Atlanta and across the state of Georgia, including Rabbi Peter Berg of The Temple and Rabbi Josh Hearshen of Congregation Or VeShalom, stand united in condemning the shooting and assassination of conservative voice Charlie Kirk in Utah.

“As leaders grounded in moral conviction and civic responsibility, we affirm that at no point is political violence warranted or acceptable. Violence only begets more violence and erodes the very foundation of our democracy.

“At a time when our nation faces profound political and social challenges, violent actions like those witnessed in Utah are grossly un-American. They are a direct assault on the principles of civility, free expression, and peaceful debate that sustain our republic.”

Rabbi Berg said of the violent attack, “We are called, across our faith traditions, to uphold the sanctity of life and the dignity of every person, regardless of their political beliefs. Attacks on individuals for their views are attacks on all of us, and on the freedoms we cherish.”

Parminder Singh, a community leader in Atlanta’s Sikh community added, “This event was heart-breaking and we condemn such acts of violence and terror. We stand in complete solidarity with our fellow Americans.”

“The undersigned leaders urge all faith and civic leaders to speak with clarity and conviction: acts of political violence, and the rhetoric that fuels them, must be rejected in the strongest possible terms. True leadership demands moral courage, restraint, and an unwavering commitment to resolve our differences through dialogue rather than destruction.

As Georgians, and as Americans, we call upon our communities to model a better path—one rooted in respect, civility, and the enduring promise of our democracy.”

Rabbi Peter Berg, The Temple
Rev. Jennifer Butler, Faith in Democracy
Pastor Micah Fries, Multi-Faith Neighbors Network
Rabbi Josh Hearshen, Congregation Or VeShalom
Monica Mainwaring, Rector, St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church
Wesley Myrick, Ga Interfaith Public Policy Center
Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser, President, Interfaith Atlanta
Pastor Randy Rainwater, Grace New Hope Church
Parminder Singh, Sikh Community of Atlanta Leader
Rev Sean Smith, Senior Pastor, New Horizon Baptist Church
Rev. John Vaughn, Ebenezer Baptist Church
Rev. Robert Wright, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta