Bishop Michael Hunn Responds to Department of Homeland Security: Defending Our Border Ministry

In this video, Bishop Michael Hunn of the Diocese of the Rio Grande addresses recent letter from the Department of Homeland Security insinuating the diocese's involvement in illegal activities, including human trafficking.

Bishop Hunn outlines the diocese's longstanding ministry efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border, including the operation of a shelter for legal asylum seekers in partnership with Homeland Security's Border Patrol and ICE. He underscores the legality and moral grounding of their work, rooted in Christian teachings and constitutional rights. Despite the scrutiny and funding withdrawal from FEMA, he reaffirms their commitment to borderland ministry and invites support through prayers and donations.

Bishop Reddall's Statement on the Sentencing of Eric Ridenour

Eric Ridenour was sentenced to 36.5 years in prison for the arson that destroyed St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church in Douglas, Arizona. Bishop Jennifer Reddall expresses gratitude for the justice served and highlights the resilience of these congregations as they continue to rebuild and minister. Her statement reaffirms the church’s commitment to inclusivity, inspired by Jesus’ love for those on the margins, and trust in the healing power of God’s grace. The Grand Canyon Synod stands in prayerful solidarity with them during this season of healing.

Uniting Lutheran and Episcopal Voices: Advent Service of Hope and Peace

Join churches in Chandler and Mesa for “Anticipation, Hope & Peace: Advent Lessons and Carols” on December 8 at 5:00 PM at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Chandler. This collaborative service, uniting Lutheran and Episcopal congregations, offers an evening of scripture, music, and reflection. All are welcome to experience the Advent season through both traditions, celebrating the hope and peace that unite us.

2024 Vote Faithfully Toolkit: Resources for Christian Civic Engagement

With the 2024 presidential election fast approaching, we share a post from the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona as well as the Episcopal Church's Vote Faithfully Toolkit to help congregations engage in faithful civic participation. This toolkit offers resources for healthy election engagement, including crucial dates, action steps, and communication materials.

Learning How to Step Back from the Abyss of Political Violence

We share an article by Don Henninger from the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona. You can read the full article at azdiocese.org.

“Picture a country where fear of one’s neighbor is rampant, distrust of law enforcement is the standard, destructive riots occur regularly, and threats of political violence loom large over the minds of its citizens.

This evokes images of modern America, but we’re thinking of another country: Northern Ireland, in the lead-up to the violent and deadly multi-decade conflict known as The Troubles. With worries of political violence top of mind for millions of Americans, learning from leaders who have helped navigate conflict in other countries may give us insights for maintaining peace here at home.”

Confronting Arizona’s Water Crisis: Join the Symposium on Equitable Distribution

Join experts and community leaders at "The Trouble with Water" symposium by the Creation Care Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona on June 1st in Mesa. Discuss critical issues surrounding water scarcity and distribution in Arizona, hear from top field experts, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Registration is free and includes lunch. RSVP today.

The Philadelphia Eleven: Celebrating 50 Years of Women's Ordination with Special Screening in Scottsdale

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of women's ordination in the Episcopal Church with a special screening of "The Philadelphia Eleven" documentary. Join others for this one-day-only event on May 21, 2024, at Harkins Shea 14 in Scottsdale. The screening will include a post-film discussion with The Rt. Rev. Jennifer Reddall and others. Tickets available now.

A Day with Dominican Friars: Delve into the Mystical and Scholarly

Set aside time for spiritual nourishment at the "Loving God with St. Catherine of Siena and St. Thomas Aquinas" day. Learn from the lives of these saints in a quiet setting, hosted by the Church of the Epiphany on April 27, 2024. Delve into discussions, enjoy peaceful prayer, and savor a provided lunch with like-minded individuals seeking deeper faith.

Installation of The Reverend Donald Bebber

You are cordially invited to the Installation and Celebration of a New Ministry for The Reverend Donald Bebber as Vicar of St. Raphael in the Valley (730 S. Hwy 80, Benson, AZ 85602) on Saturday, 11/11/2023 at 11 am. View online at facebook.com/straphaelinthevalley.

Your prayers and presence are requested. Clergy please vest in red. A reception will follow. Please RSVP by emailing straphaelchurchbenson@gmail.com.

Bishop Reddall Responds to Arson Hate Crime, Underscores Church's Commitment to Inclusion

The Right Rev. Jennifer A. Reddall, Bishop of Arizona, responds to the indictment of Eric Ridenour for the arson at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church Douglas, Arizona. Ridenour is charged with hate crimes due to alleged hostility towards the churches' progressive doctrines. Bishop Reddall emphasizes the Episcopal Church's commitment to inclusion and non-discrimination and calls for unity among civic and religious leaders to protect the rights of all individuals.

Chaplain opportunity at Christ Church School in Paradise Valley, AZ

Christ Church School in Paradise Valley is seeking a dedicated and dynamic individual to join their team as a Half-time Chaplain. The ideal candidate will be a committed Episcopalian or ELCA lay or clergy person, with a passion for nurturing spiritual growth in children, and a talent for fostering a sense of belonging within the school community. More details can be found in this PDF. Applications are welcome at HeadofSchool@ccsaz.org.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 28, 2023The Episcopal Church, Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, Help WantedComment

Interfaith Winter Night

The Rt. Rev. Jennifer A. Reddall, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, invites us to an Interfaith Winter Night. Trinity Cathedral is hosting the Arizona Faith Network’s “Interfaith Winter Night” of prayer, song, and reflection: Monday, December 12th, 6:30 pm, 100 West Roosevelt Street, Phoenix Arizona 85003.

Cruzando Fronteras summer 2022 update

Over the last 9 months, your support has made it possible for 889 residents at our partner shelter, La Casa de Misericordia y de Todas Naciones, to take the next steps in their immigration journeys. Of the 889 residents, 439 are children under the age of 17; all school-age children that, we pray, will be enrolling for school this coming fall and taking some important first steps toward a new future.

Candlelight Vigil for Victims of Gun Violence

The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona is hosting a Candlelight Vigil for Victims of Gun Violence on Saturday, 5/28/2022 at 7pm, at All Saints Episcopal Church , 6300 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012. The Rev. Canon Anita Braden will be present to make remarks. All are welcome to attend.

2022 Borderlands Ministry report

In this report, Rev. David Chavez shares a video (English with Spanish subtitles) on the joint Episcopal/Lutheran Borderlands ministry, and we also share a slideshow from Cruzando Fronteras and Casa de la Misericordia y de Todos las Naciones.

2022 St. Raphael in the Valley assembly report

In this report, St. Raphael in the Valley in Benson shares how “Episcopal/Lutheran churches often tend to lean more toward one denomination than another. At St Raphael, we are embarked on a grand experiment to embrace more fully the richness of both the Episcopal and the ELCA Lutheran traditions. A year ago, we began a consultation with Bishop Hutterer and Bishop Reddall to develop a ministry support plan.”

Earth Day is Friday, 4/22/2022

Earth Day is Friday, April 22, 2022! We encourage you to review ELCA’s social statement on Caring for Creation (in English or Spanish), and visit the Environment Advocacy page and resource pages at ELCA.org. And Lutherans Restoring Creation is a grassroots movement promoting care for creation in the ELCA.

Our friends at the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona have also compiled a great set of Earth Day events that you may interest you.

Musician Joe Troop releases song, video inspired by Cruzando Fronteras

For folk musician Joe Troop, a 2019 visit to the U.S.-Mexico borderlands opened his eyes to the suffering experienced by migrants trying to enter the United States. Two years later, he returned to Nogales, to volunteer at a migrant shelter with Cruzando Fronteras.

The experience that inspired him to write a song, Mercy for Migrants, performed with Béla Fleck, Abigail Washburn and Trey Boudreaux. Read the article in Episcopal News Service and hear the song on YouTube.

Called to Common Mission: the Lutheran-Episcopal Full Communion Partnership at 20

What has this full communion agreement meant for our churches over these twenty years?

We’ve worshipped together in joint celebrations and shared liturgies and developed a deep familiarity and appreciation for each other’s liturgies and confession of the faith.

Cruzando Fronteras asks for Christmas gift help

Rev. Rodger A. Babnew, Jr., with Cruzando Fronteras, shares this letter asking our help in celebrating Christmas with families waiting in Nogales.

We also share his September 2020 video report.

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