Churches across the US are turning to artificial intelligence to mourn and memorialise conservative Christian activist Charlie Kirk, following his assassination last week.
During a Sunday service at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Texas, Pastor Jack Graham introduced an AI-generated audio clip that appeared to feature Kirk himself urging listeners to “pick up your cross and get back in the fight".
The congregation responded with a standing ovation, fully aware the clip was entirely artificial.
The use of AI to replicate Kirk’s voice and likeness has since spread rapidly across social media and other evangelical churches.
Videos show a fictional Kirk in heaven, embracing Jesus, meeting historical Christian martyrs, and even taking selfies with assassinated US presidents. Many are framed as gospel messages, digital martyrdom narratives blending grief, faith and politics.
Charlie Kirk, a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and leader of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA, had increasingly leaned into evangelical Christianity before his death.