We learned, with a sorrow that is both profound and solemn, of the death of Mr. Charlie Kirk. In this hour our first thought is for his bereaved wife and small children; for them, words are probably a poor salve; for them, our compassion is earnest and undivided. 

While we must and do distance ourselves from certain statements Mr. Kirk made in public life, that distance does not lessen the tragedy of a life extinguished. To answer violence with more violence is to enter a ruinous arithmetic in which there are no winners. 

Those who take innocent life gain nothing, for all must face the same end; in a world where even the longest human life is not eternal, the wisdom of King Solomon rings true: ‘Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity’ (Ecclesiastes 1:2). As a descendant of ancestors once revered as gods, we declare that true greatness lies not in destruction, but in honoring life. 

A human life, in our “modern” era, might stretch to 120 years; a life of twenty-two years is a universe of possibility cruelly foreshortened. The alleged shooter (a young man with a life yet to be lived, a partner, and a future that might have held joy and reconciliation) deserved that chance. If one prizes the liberty of speech, one must surely abhor the notion of silencing another by force. Murder extinguishes conversation before it can begin.

The true peril that looms over our shared humanity is not disagreement but hatred; the corrosive, reductive impulse to despise those who look different, who worship differently, who love differently, who prosper or struggle in dissimilar measure, or who hold political views at odds with our own.

Let us reflect, with both humility and discernment, that the trappings of wealth do not guarantee happiness. Many who possess material abundance dwell in quiet solitude and many responsibilities, while those of modest means may savor lives imbued with peace, joy, and contentment. Let us also recognize that faith is not a uniform measure of virtue: not all who attend church live lives pleasing to Christ, nor are all Muslims to be feared as threats. 

In matters of character and appearance, the same caution applies. A plain woman may not possess unwavering fidelity and depth of spirit, while a pretty woman may embody virtue beyond the superficial. A man of success is not always strong or protective, nor is a handsome man necessarily fickle or immoral. Ambitious women may or may not embrace feminism; Jews are not universally wealthy nor inclined toward conflict, but many live lives in humble circumstances. Even in dietary or moral convictions, appearances may deceive: Not all vegetarians or vegans genuinely revere life; some advocate for the protection of animals while denying the dignity of unborn human beings. Let us remember, with both grace and discernment, that those who walk paths of thought differing from our own are not inherently wicked. Oftentimes, those hastily branded as ‘bad’ reveal a depth of humanity and courage in moments of crisis that rivals, or even surpasses, the virtues of those who proclaim themselves ‘good.

When one person enjoys the freedom to voice his thoughts, another must also be allowed to speak. Dialogue should replace condemnation. The act of listening can reveal truths that prejudice conceals, for each human being is unique and deserves the dignity of a fair chance.

To make a better world, we shall practise the art of conversation. When people who imagine themselves to be strangers sit down and speak with civility, they are often surprised to discover a common humanity and shared cares. Let us cultivate the habit of listening as carefully as we speak, and of disagreeing with civility rather than repudiating with contempt.

Moreover, the most powerful people do not parade their influence in the media each day the most influential individuals are rarely, if ever, found amidst the ceaseless clamor of social media. In daily life, some of them pass among us unnoticed when intended, even mistaken for the poor, and yet they shape the world discretely. This truth reminds us never to measure a person’s worth by appearances, fame, or fortune.

May this awareness guide us to measure neither worth, nor virtue, nor strength by appearances, fame, or fortune. Let us move through the world with compassion, discernment, and an open heart, recognizing that the soul’s richness lies not in what is flaunted. Compassion and understanding, rather than judgment, are the truest measures of nobility in the human spirit.

We affirm, with conviction, the sanctity of human life in all its varieties regardless of age, size, skin colour, means, orientation, gender, creed, or party. With steadfast dedication, our organizations strive to cultivate a world where every life is cherished, every voice is esteemed, and conflicts find resolution through reasoned dialogue rather than the clamor of online vitriol, the sting of false accusations, or the violence of bullets and bile.

In this shared endeavor, we are commited to a society governed by empathy, integrity, and the enduring grace of mutual respect. In that steadfast endeavour we serve wherever we may, guided by compassion, decency, and the belief that, in the long run, mercy and understanding are more enduring than wrath.

Warmest regards,

RH Princess Rachel Belle