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Beloved, let us not believe in the bitterness of divisive zejoicing at the death of Charli

New Sardis
Primitive Baptist Church Issues Statement
on the Passing of
Charlie Kirk

Cleveland, OH — September 11, 2025 — In light of recent events and the passing of Charlie Kirk, New Sardis Primitive Baptist Church offers the following reflection and statement.

We are mindful of the words of Scripture: “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them.” — Proverbs 24:17–18.

The spirit of our age often thrives on bitterness and division, tempting us to celebrate the downfall of those with whom we disagree. But Christ calls us to something higher — to live into the vision of the Beloved Community, where love, reconciliation, and dignity are extended to all.

The passing of Charlie Kirk has sparked a wide range of responses. While his maladjustment often led him to say hateful things about Black people and even towering historical figures such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we must resist the temptation to allow bitterness to take root. His words may have been divisive, but the gospel reminds us that we must not rejoice at the death of any person.

Instead, we extend our prayers to his family in their hour of somber bereavement. We affirm the sacredness of every life, and we believe that every death should call us back to compassion rather than gloating. To rejoice at another’s fall is to step away from the very Beloved Community we are striving to build.

As Dr. King reminded us, “Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” The irony of Mr. Kirk’s own words coming back to haunt him does not free us to mock or gloat — it challenges us to be different. It calls us to embody mercy, grace, and the deep love of God that covers even our enemies.

We therefore call upon all people of faith and goodwill to guard their hearts from bitterness, to mourn every loss, and to continue the holy work of building a community where love reigns above division.

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About New Sardis Primitive Baptist Church

New Sardis Primitive Baptist Church is a century-old, multi-generational congregation located in Cleveland’s historic Mt. Pleasant neighborhood. Known for its commitment to discipleship, social action, and community service, the church operates vital ministries including a food bank, youth programs, literacy initiatives, and partnerships that strengthen the surrounding community.

About Pastor Elder Dr. Vincent E. Stokes II

Elder Dr. Vincent E. Stokes II is the seventh elected pastor of New Sardis Primitive Baptist Church. A Cleveland native, educator, and community leader, Dr. Stokes is dedicated to building bridges of faith, justice, and service. His leadership emphasizes the vision of the Beloved Community and a commitment to uplifting both congregation and community. Learn more about Pastor Stokes at www.vincentestokesii.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 30, 2025

Contact:

Elder Dr. Vincent E. Stokes, II, Pastor

New Sardis Primitive Baptist Church

nspbcpastor@outlook.com

www.newsardispbc.org

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New Sardis Primitive Baptist Church Condemns Nationwide Closure of Job Corps: “A Blow to the Poor and Working Class”

CLEVELAND, OH — New Sardis Primitive Baptist Church denounces the federal government’s recent announcement that all Job Corps centers will close nationwide by June 30, 2025 — a devastating decision that strips opportunity from thousands of underserved youth and undermines decades of social progress.

“Job Corps was not just a program — it was a promise,” said Rev. Dr. Vincent E. Stokes, II, Pastor of New Sardis. “It was a key piece of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society, designed to lift youth out of poverty by providing access to education, training, and real opportunity. This is a purposeful rollback of the progress made for the least, the lost, the lonely, and the left out.”

Created in 1964, Job Corps has served as a life-changing resource for nearly 60 years, providing young people with the tools to succeed in a world that often overlooks them. Alongside initiatives like Head Start, HUD, and Medicare, Job Corps helped create a path forward for working families across generations.

The closure of Job Corps comes amid a push from the Trump administration for a “Big Beautiful Bill” — a tax overhaul that primarily benefits the wealthiest Americans while placing a heavier burden on working families and low-income communities. The juxtaposition is not lost on advocates like Pastor Stokes.

“This isn’t just about programs,” he said. “It’s about priorities. It’s about who gets protected and who gets passed over. And we refuse to be silent while our children are abandoned.”

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Call to Action:

• Call the U.S. Department of Labor to express your concerns: 1-866-4-USA-DOL (1-866-487-2365)

• Contact the House Ways and Means Committee to voice your opposition: (202) 225-3625

• Stand with local organizations committed to education, workforce development, and equity.

• Vote intentionally and informed in every election — because policy is personal.

• Pray, protest, and press forward for justice in every community.

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About New Sardis Primitive Baptist Church

Founded in 1919, New Sardis Primitive Baptist Church has served as a faith-filled anchor in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood of Cleveland for over 65 years. Under the leadership of Elder Dr. Vincent E. Stokes, II, New Sardis is committed to Christ-centered worship, prophetic preaching, community empowerment, and public witness.

About Elder Dr. Vincent E. Stokes, II

Elder Dr. Vincent E. Stokes, II is the seventh pastor of New Sardis Primitive Baptist Church, the oldest Primitive Baptist church in Ohio. He is an educator and currently a candidate pursuing a Juris Doctorate, a Master’s in Public Administration, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Urban Educational Policy at Cleveland State University.

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To learn more, visit: www.newsardispbc.org

To join our advocacy efforts, contact: nspbcpastor@outlook.com