British pro-life groups have announced an annual award in honour of the late Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was assassinated in September at a speaking event in Utah. He was well known for his Christian and conservative beliefs, including an opposition to abortion.
The “Young Pro-Lifer of the Year” award will be given every year on 14 October, Charlie Kirk’s birthday. The plan was announced by March for Life UK.
The award is open to anyone who is aged 16 to 32, is a resident in the UK, is not employed by a pro-life organisation, and is “100% pro-life”.
Organisers said that nominees must “fully oppose the direct and intentional ending of human life before birth” and also noted that while they wished to honour Kirk’s memory, the award was not to be seen as an endorsement of everything Kirk had ever done or said.
In addition to the honour of the award, the winner will also receive an invite to the Pro-Life Leaders’ Annual Christmas Gathering in London.
Organisers said, “We know that much of the most valuable work in the pro-life movement often happens behind the scenes, unnoticed and unrewarded … we believe it’s important to occasionally highlight and honour those whose courage, commitment, perseverance and love for both preborn children and their parents deserve special recognition. We hope this award will also encourage and inspire others to stand up for life.
“The award can be given for a particular act, or for ongoing work and witness and it’s pertaining to pro-life work regarding life in the womb.”
Kirk was just 31 when he was shot at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. Kirk’s widow, Erika, has spoken of how she has forgiven alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson.
“I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and is what Charlie would do,” she said at her husband's funeral. “The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the Gospel is love, is always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”
