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Charlie Kirk’s funeral is taking place today, with tens of thousands expected to be in attendance. State Farm Stadium in Arizona – home to the NFL's Arizona Cardinals – is set to host the event, with a capacity of 73,000. The nearby Desert Diamond Arena will serve as overflow and can accommodate an additional 19,000 people.
The service, which will be a non-denominational Christian event, will see some of the best-known American Christian artists lead mourners in worship.
Chris Tomlin, who wrote “How Great Is Our God” and attends Church of the City in Franklin, Tennessee, is confirmed to be leading attendees in worship. Tomlin remembered Kirk’s death by paying tribute to how he was “bold and unashamed in his faith”.
Brandon Lake, who wrote Gratitude – which has almost 50 million streams on YouTube – will also be leading the crowds in worship. While Lake had not met Kirk, he released a heartfelt video shortly after his death saying: “I am angry, I am frustrated… The man was representing Christ in the way he felt called to represent Christ, and he lost his life for it.”
Phil Wickham, who released the hugely popular worship song Living Hope in 2018, is also set to take the stage. Shortly after Kirk’s death, Wickham wrote: “I pray God’s hand of comfort and peace and nearness over Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones. That in the brokenness of their hearts God would meet them as He has promised to do. In time, help their hearts to heal, Father.”
Cody Carnes and his wife Kari Jobe will also lead worship. The couple featured in Elevation Worship’s 2020 single The Blessing, a song that became hugely popular during lockdown, with countries around the world releasing their own versions recorded by different church groups from the confines of their homes.
Charlie Kirk himself attended Dream City Church, an evangelical church in Phoenix led by Pastor Luke Barnett, a close friend.
In response to his murder, the church released a statement saying: “His life was a testament to bold leadership, unwavering conviction, and a heart for revival. Charlie’s voice may be silenced, but his legacy will continue to echo through the lives he touched and the truths that he championed.
“On behalf of the entire Dream City Church family, our hearts go out to Charlie’s beloved wife, Erika, his children, and the Turning Point community. We are holding them close in prayer and standing with them in this time of unimaginable grief.
“As a church, we remain deeply committed to the unshakable truths of the Bible and to empowering the next generation to boldly live out their faith. In honouring Charlie’s vision, we will continue to raise up voices that stand for truth, freedom, and the Gospel, with courage and conviction.”
(Photo by Eric Thayer/Getty Images)
