Update: Utah religious leaders respond to slaying of Charlie Kirk with warnings against retaliation and calls to end gun violence

“I am weary of a world where guns and gall take the place of dialogue and dignity,” Presbyterian pastor says. Catholic bishop calls for government action.

(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) People hold hands in prayer during a vigil at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Utah religious leaders are lamenting the violence.

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Peggy Fletcher StackSenior religion reporter

Hired in 1991 to cover Utah's various faiths, particularly Mormonism, Peggy has talked forgiveness with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, nearly fainted waiting for the Dalai Lama, fasted with Muslims during Ramadan — and has reported on 50 consecutive semiannual LDS General Conferences.