The fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on a Utah college campus has rocked the nation, prompting religious leaders to reflect on the challenges and responsibilities of living and defending personal faith openly and courageously, the way that Kirk did.

Kirk, who grew up Presbyterian and was active in evangelical circles, was known for openly defending his Christian faith while engaging in political and cultural debates.

In the aftermath of the shooting, religious leaders from across faith traditions are grappling with what it means to express and live out their beliefs publicly and how to shepherd their congregations through the challenging moment.

“There is universal grief at the loss of a life, but there is also grief for the moment that we’re in and polarization th

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