DES MOINES, Iowa —

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk left pastors across central Iowa with a difficult decision on Sunday: how, or whether, to address it from the pulpit. Many chose to speak directly to the tragedy. Other religious leaders say they saw record attendance Sunday as many Iowans search for answers and stability.

Some local pastors dedicated their sermons entirely to Kirk’s death. Others spoke about it alongside other acts of violence, including the killing of a Democratic Minnesota state lawmaker and a Ukrainian refugee who was recently stabbed to death on a public bus.

While each pastor approached it differently, many agreed this was a moment to help Iowans find hope amid uncertainty.

“A lot of us are feeling something right now — an anxiety, a sadne

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