Sheer Joy. That’s what I saw when I encountered this photo of one of the newly baptized and their parents at Epiphany, Flagstaff. Especially when I am concerned for the world, the church, and my own life, I welcome these bright flashes of joy. This past weekend was one such burst of joy for me, …
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. …
We are all a bit exhausted in Dio House after our wonderful Diocesan Convention, “Becoming Beloved Community: Reconciled in Christ.” I am full of gratitude. First, thanks to all who volunteered to help with the convention: those who did registration, served as tellers, and read, verged, acolyted, sang, played, deaconed, and MC’d at the Eucharist. …
Last month the Standing Committee passed a new Policy for the Protection of Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults. This replaces our prior policy and is tied into the new Praesidium curriculum, Safe Church, Safe Communities, which has replaced the former “Safeguarding God’s Children” and “Safeguarding God’s People” training. I believe both of these are improvements over their predecessors, and …
As we approach this fall’s elections, it is my honor as a faith leader to be part of the Arizona Democracy Resilience Network. This is a cross-partisan group including former elected officials, representatives of the business community, and faith leaders, all of whom are committed to the peaceful democratic process. ADRN is led by retired …
Over the last two years, our Anti-Racism Committee has created and implemented a curriculum that provides an understanding, self-examination, and spiritual awakening into issues of racism. Part of that training is a series of videos that are also available as a supplement to Sacred Ground training. We now have four diocesan videos available on Youtube. …
O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death, and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that your servant Elizabeth, being raised with him, may know the strength of his presence, and rejoice in his eternal glory; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns one God, …
Bishop John Oringa of the missionary Diocese of Kisii, Kenya, was part of my small group at the Lambeth Conference, and the person with whom I had the most engaging discussions of ministry in our very different contexts. We share a mutual curiosity about what life, ministry, and following Jesus look like in Arizona and …
I was never much of a tennis player, but I became a tennis fan as an adult. And this week, I am all in on “Team Serena” as she makes her final appearance at the U.S. Open. I believe Serena Williams is giving the world a master class on vocation. Who are we called to …
By the Rt. Rev. Jennifer A. ReddallBishop of Arizona Many of our congregations are in the midst of planning Annual Giving or Stewardship campaigns. Budgets are tight, giving is down in many congregations, and I have heard many lay and clergy leaders throw up their hands in frustration about how to lead in this moment. …
I’ve been thinking about lions. In the first keynote lecture at the Lambeth Conference, Archbishop Justin Welby began speaking of a lion, and the screen behind him began playing a video of a majestic, maned lion. “Aslan!” I immediately thought. C.S. Lewis’s leonine stand-in for Jesus, for love and compassion and sacrifice from the Narnia …
There are so very many words about and from the Lambeth Conference thus far that I hesitate to add more, so I will try to be brief and provide links to materials you can read if you choose. My reflections from Saturday are here: Facebook Post The Lambeth Calls are here: Lambeth Calls Document The …