(I'm Canadian, so I use the Canadian framework. I understand that the US does something different, so I am interested to see how that framework looks differently for you in this matter as well.)

I want to start under the assumption that we agree on Charlie Kirk having been an agent of evil, personal definitions of evil notwithstanding. If you disagree on that, then imo we are too theologically divergent to have a productive discussion on such a specific topic within the context of our faith.

I'm not really sure what it means to "celebrate" someone's death. But I remember when Thatcher died, there were a lot of toasts and cheers within my circle. I admit it did make me uncomfortable, partly because I do take seriously the inherent worth and dignity of every person. I came up with a line of "I'm sad that she didn't live to see socialism prevail", which I agree with, but I do see it as a bit of a cop out.

But Thatcher was old and poorly. She wasn't of sound mind, or in a position to wield power or influence. Where I live, she was barely even a symbol of conservatism, austerity, or neoliberalism compared to the likes of Reagan, Friedman, Sowell, or even Cameron.

Kirk, on the other hand, was very much at the top of his game in terms of the hate and destruction he soought to wreak. He was one of the most iconic propagandists in the USA over the last 10 years, relentlessly agitating for policy that has caused much more harm than the death of one man.

Now, in my opinion, there is a relatively straightforward reading of the first principal which would tell us that Kirk was a person, and therefore has worth and dignity. I would never seek to argue against this, it is in my opinion one of the most important tenets of our faith.

The fifth principal also highlights the importance of conscience and democratic processes. In my opinion, vigilantism is very clearly a breach of this principal.

However, the 2nd, 6th, and 8th principals, as accepted by the CUC are:

2) Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;

6) The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

8) Individual and communal action that accountably dismantles racism and systemic barriers to full inclusion in ourselves and our institutions

And Kirk was one of the most prominent and arguably effective actors in fighting against these principals in our own world. And even the first principal itself, Kirk did not respect the dignity and worth of anyone who wasn't a white able-bodied cishet man. And I want to emphasize that this was not a man seething in private; he actively sought to brutalize and destroy the most marginalized communities.

Finally, I come to the seventh principal, the respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. I worry about the backlash that this death will have. I am saddened for his kids, for everyone in attendance who witnessed an act of brutality. I am very aware that the consequences of an action can be varied and unknown, and a well-intentioned action can have a great many unintended consequences. And I am so deeply afraid for our beloved planet and our species.

What do you folks think?