'Things Will Never Be The Same.' How The Pandemic Has Changed Worship

From NPR-

One of the most disturbing changes for Christians has been the suspension of congregational singing and church choirs. Health experts say the coronavirus is easily spread through singing, but music is an essential part of the worship experience for many churchgoers, especially in the Protestant tradition.

"I would never have heard my call to the priesthood if I hadn't found my faith through song," says Rev. Jennifer Reddall, the Episcopal bishop for the diocese of Arizona. She was announcing the guidelines under which Episcopal churches in her diocese would be allowed to reopen. A ban on singing and choral performances was the restriction that Reddall said was most personally upsetting.
"I'm not even sure I would be a Christian today if I wasn't able to pray by singing," Reddall said in a video message to the members of her diocese. "But I don't want to kill someone by my prayer or by my music."

For Episcopal parishioners in Arizona, the only music option now available is to follow the church program at home.

More here-

https://www.npr.org/2020/05/20/858918339/things-will-never-be-the-same-how-the-pandemic-has-changed-worship

'Put people ahead of money': Christian groups ask Ducey to extend stay-at-home order

From Arizona-

Christian leaders around the Valley sent a letter to Gov. Doug Ducey urging him to extend the stay at home orders that were put in place through April 30 to help curb the spread of the new coronavirus outbreak.

The letter was written by the Right Rev. Jennifer Reddall, the sixth Episcopal bishop of Arizona, on behalf of Arizona's congregations of the Episcopal Church, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church.

It was hand-delivered to the governor's office on Tuesday, Reddall told The Arizona Republic.

Reddall began the letter by thanking Ducey for his leadership and "Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected" policy which she said has "helped flatten the curve and keep the epidemic somewhat under control in our state."

More here-

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2020/04/23/phoenix-area-christian-leaders-ask-arizona-gov-ducey-extend-stay-at-home-order/3011526001/

Religious groups in Arizona ask Ducey to extend order into May

From Arizona-

The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona comprises 64 worshipping communities and over 21,000 residents of Arizona.  We have cancelled all in-person public worship from March 16, continuing at this time tentatively through May 25.

The Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA compromises 90 worshipping communities and over 33,000 members in Arizona and Southern Nevada. The GCS encouraged suspension of in person worship beginning March 15 and continuing through April. With your support the GCS will extend the recommendation into May. We have also canceled out National Rostered Minister Gathering that was going to be held in Phoenix this summer.

The Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ includes 46 congregations and 2 faith communities in Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas representing 6,000 members. These people of faith have suspended in-person gatherings through at least May 16. We have also cancelled our church camp this summer.

More here-

https://yourvalley.net/stories/religious-groups-in-arizona-ask-ducey-to-extend-order-into-may,154356

 

A Priest in Tucson Abused Him When He Was 12. At 60, He's Finally Able to Sue

From Arizona-

When Charles Taylor was 12 years old and growing up in Tucson in the early 1970s, a priest at the local Episcopal church began sexually abusing him. Although Taylor told the rector, and a church secretary knew about the abuse, the church did nothing.

All of that is according to a new lawsuit that Taylor, who is nearly 61, has filed against Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Tucson and the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona for the two years of sexual abuse he says he suffered as a child at the hands of Father Richard Babcock. 

The suit could be the first of its kind after Arizona changed its law in May to give survivors of childhood sexual abuse more time to sue perpetrators or organizations that knew of the abuse. 

Survivors previously had until the age of 20. The new law gives them until the age of 30 and gives older survivors, who previously were time-barred from suing, until December 31, 2020, to file claims. 

More here-

https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/new-law-gives-church-sex-abuse-survivor-fresh-shot-at-justice-11332013 

and here-

https://www.azfamily.com/news/arizona-man-says-he-was-abused-by-tucson-priest-in/article_2b0315c4-adcd-11e9-8184-8b90a90aa14a.html

Man sues Tucson church, Episcopal diocese over abuse allegations

From Arizona-

In May, a big change in Arizona law was made for reporting sexual assault. And less than two months later, a man filed a lawsuit against the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona and a Tucson church. 

Charles Taylor filed the civil complaint in Pima County Superior Court on July 12. 

The complaint states Grace St. Paul's church staff ignored reports of sexual misconduct by an Episcopalian priest in the 1970's. 

Taylor says he filed a complaint in 1991, but it was tossed out, because it didn't meet the statute of limitations. 

At the end of May, a new law went into effect that expands the window for sexual abuse victims.

More here-

https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/man-sues-tucson-church-episcopal-diocese-over-abuse-allegations

Episcopal Diocese of Arizona elects first woman ever to serve as Bishop

From Arizona (with video)-

Preparations are underway for a ceremony full of pageantry. As Jennifer Reddall, the Bishop-Elect of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona will be consecrated on Saturday with moments of joy but also high emotion.

"This is the next era, this is the next phase in our life in Christ in Arizona, is to come under the leadership of this new bishop," said David Benedict Hedges, Master of Ceremonies for the Consecration service. 

For Bishop-Elect Reddall, this is a major milestone, as she looks forward to bringing her leadership to Episcopalians in Arizona.

"The needs of the church and the needs of the world come together in the office of the bishop," said Reddall. 

March 8 is International Women's Day, and on this day the office of the Bishop has even more meaning. As it will be the first time, the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona has elected a woman to serve as their Bishop. 

More here-

https://www.abc15.com/news/state/episcopal-diocese-of-arizona-elects-first-woman-ever-to-serve-as-bishop

Reddall to be ordained Episcopal Diocese Bishop in Paradise Valley

From Arizona-

The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona has elected Jennifer A. Reddall as the sixth bishop, making her the first woman to hold the title in this diocese.

Her ordination and consecration will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 9 at the Christ Church of the Ascension, 4015 E. Lincoln Drive in the Town of Paradise Valley.

Ms. Reddall was elected as bishop during the 58th Annual Diocesan Convention in October 2018, according to a press release.

Her consecration service — which includes a central prayer accompanying the laying on of hands in the ordination of bishops, priests, and deacons, and is called the prayer of consecration — will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Church for the Nations, 6225 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix.

More here-

https://paradisevalleyindependent.com/news/reddall-to-be-ordained-episcopal-diocese-bishop-in-paradise-valley/

Diocese of Arizona notified of successful canonical consent process

From The Episcopal Church-

The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona has received notification from Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael B. Curry and Registrar of General Convention, the Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe, that Bishop-Elect Jennifer Anne Reddall has received the required majority of consents in the canonical consent process detailed in Canon III.11.3.

In giving consent to her ordination and consecration, Standing Committees and bishops with jurisdiction attest to knowing of “no impediment on account of which” Bishop-Elect Reddall ought not to be ordained as bishop, and that her election was conducted in accordance with the Canons.

The Rev. Jennifer Anne Reddall was elected Bishop on October 20.  Presiding Bishop Curry will officiate at her March 9 ordination and consecration service.

More here-

https://mailchi.mp/episcopalchurch/diocese-of-arizona-notified-of-successful-canonical-consent-processla-dicesis-de-arizona-anunci-el-exitoso-proceso-de-consentimiento-cannico?e=179e552c45&fbclid=IwAR335rYYciuTVW28pSIsAhWHZsWFodFU8WJ51FXKGCcL51PkORKKySb90mU
 

Episcopal Diocese of Arizona elects VI Bishop

From Arizona-

The Rev. Jennifer Anne Reddall was chosen VI Bishop of the Diocese of Arizona during the 58th Annual Diocesan Convention held at All Saints’ Episcopal Church & Day School in Phoenix.

The first woman to be elected bishop in the Diocese of Arizona, Reddall is currently the Rector of Church of the Epiphany in New York, NY, the Diocese of New York, and was one of three candidates.

In order to be elected, a candidate needed to receive a simple majority of votes from both the clergy and the lay delegates, voting separately as orders in the same balloting round. Reddall was elected on the first ballot, receiving 75 of 136clergy votes and 172 of 304 lay votes.

The other two nominees were:

• The Rev. Dr. Dena Marcel Cleaver-Bartholomew, Rector of Christ Church, Manlius, NY in the Diocese of Central New York
• The Rev. Andrew Wallace Walter, Rector of Grace Episcopal Church, Silver Spring, MD in the Diocese of Washington

More here-

http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/2018/10/23/episcopal-diocese-arizona-elects-vi-bishop/

Arizona Church Speaks Out Ahead of Expected Melania Trump State Visit: 'Jesus Doesn't Want Kids to Be in Cages'

From Arizona-

First lady Melania Trump was expected to land in Tucson, Arizona, on Thursday, marking her second trip to visit facilities holding undocumented immigrant families. Ahead of the first lady’s visit, a local church hung two banners affirming their position as to where Jesus would stand on the issue of detaining children. 

Saint Philip's In The Hills Episcopal Church, located about 15 miles from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, where the first lady was expected to fly into from Washington, D.C, posted two banners on a wall outside the church facing a busy intersection, according to Fox 11 News. 

The banners show a photo of a young boy standing next to two people, who appear to be border patrol agents, accompanied by the words, “Jesus doesn't want kids to be in cages."

More here-

http://www.newsweek.com/arizona-church-speaks-out-against-detaining-migrant-children-melania-trump-999862

I'm A Pastor, And Romans 13 Should Never Be Used To Defend Family Separation

From Arizona-

Father Robert Hendrickson is the rector at St. Philip's In The Hills Episcopal Church in Tuscon, Arizona. This is a letter he sent to his congregation this week after Attorney General Jeff Sessions cited Romans 13 to justify a zero-tolerance immigration policy on the border.

As many of you know, there are two ways by which I am familiar with the pain of family separation.  First, my mother died when I was quite young after divorce and a long illness.  Second, and more recently, Karrie and I adopted boys from difficult circumstances.  Each day we navigate the land mines that the trauma of separation creates even as we forge new bonds of connection and attachment.

These experiences inform my perception of what is happening at the border now.  We can debate immigration policy, border controls, and more from a variety of points of view.  I'm afraid, however, that the pulling away of innocent children, brought without their input, consent, nor complicity is a moral evil that is not debatable.  Churches across the country are now actively condemning this policy choice — and it is that.  We are choosing to create fear, heartache, and anguish.  We can recognize that people will come, as they have for generations, across our borders with a mix of hopes, fears, and papers and treat all those who arrive with dignity even as we debate the legalities of the situation.  It is another thing entirely to willingly, and with the express purpose of causing maximum horror to families, choose this course.

More here-

https://aplus.com/a/father-hendrickson-arizona-pastor-jeff-sessions-romans-13

SEARCH FOR THE SIXTH BISHOP OF ARIZONA

From Arizona-

On November 9, 2017, Bishop Kirk Smith announced his retirement and called for the election of his succesor. On the same, day, Bishop Todd Ousley, from the Presiding Bishop's Office of Pastoral Development who oversees the transition process for the Episcopal Church, outlined the next steps. The Standing Committee, with The Rev. Canon Daniel Tantimonaco as President, will oversee the search and transition process for the diocese. The Diocesan Staff's responsibility will be to work to keep the diocese doing business as usual throughout this transition.

The Search Committee is designated by the diocesan Canons. The names of those who are serving on the committee are listed below. Their job is to find a list of final candidates to present to the whole diocese in a series of "walkabouts" before the election takes place at the Diocesan Convention on October 19-20, 2018. The bishop-elect will then work with Bishop Smith for a few months before being consecrated as the Sixth Bishop of Arizona on March 9, 2019 by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.

More here-

http://www.azdiocese.org/bishopsearch.html

African refugee family makes the most of new life in Tucson

From Arizona-

Community has been key for Ajang’s family.

“When we came here, we joined a community of believers from Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church,” Anyieth says. “They were so helpful to us in so many different ways — prayers, finances and love. They loved us.”

Through the church, the family met friends such as Miksa. Miksa helped them shop for a car and care for their new son, who had surgery in 2014 and a feeding tube for six months. In recent months, Miksa has helped Ajang research what it takes to start a business in Arizona.

It’s nothing like owning that restaurant in Kenya, Ajang says. In Africa, they didn’t have to pay taxes or lease the property. They built the restaurant and pocketed the profits.

More here-

http://tucson.com/news/local/african-refugee-family-makes-the-most-of-new-life-in/article_f49f1934-6581-507a-971e-ebe42c67686a.html

Bishop Smith Announces Retirment

From Arizona-

November 9 , 2017

Dear People of God,

This afternoon, I have met with the priests of the Diocese to let them know that I have announced my retirement and am calling for the election of my successor.

This was, of course, an announcement of mixed emotions for me. It has been the greatest honor and joy for me to serve as your bishop for almost 15 years. We have accomplished some great things together, and thanks to your hard work and prayers, the diocese overall is healthy and growing. By the time I retire I will be almost 68 years old. It is time for the diocese to move on to a new mission with younger leadership. It is also time for me to enjoy some new adventures before I get too old to do so! I am excited to share with you that one of these first adventures will be as a visiting professor of church history at General Theological Seminary in New York for the fall of 2019. Teaching is something which I very much enjoy, and having my two kids (and grandson!) nearby will be an added pleasure.

More here-

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Message-from-Bishop-Smith--My-Retirement.html?soid=1101378732819&aid=deM8SXHNYxQ

Roberts: Phoenix loses one of its best first responders

From Arizona-

Phoenix has lost one of its best first responders.

The Rev. Carl Carlozzi – Father Carl to anyone who knew him for more than five minutes – died Sunday after a yearlong battle with esophageal cancer.

Father Carl baptized my first child when he was rector at All Saints Episcopal Church in Phoenix. But that’s not why I’m writing about him.

Father Carl died of the same cancer that took my father, which makes it personal. But that’s not why I’m writing about him.

Father Carl called me now and then to encourage me when I was writing about controversial topics he knew would bring out the screamers. But that's not why I'm writing about him.

Father Carl was that rarest of men – a priest who devoted his life to the rescue of people when they needed it most.

'You see how fragile life is'

This is a guy who was working in one of Arizona’s largest and wealthiest Episcopal churches in 1993 when he felt the call to become a volunteer chaplain. For the next nine years, he would volunteer his services, on call 24/7, to the Phoenix Fire Department before leaving the pulpit to take on the job full time.

More here-

http://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/laurieroberts/2017/10/02/phoenix-loses-one-its-best-first-responders/724694001/

Jesus doesn’t want us carrying the excess baggage of selfishness

From Arizona-

A faithful woman I know told me recently that she doesn’t call herself a Christian anymore. If anyone asks, she tells them she’s a follower of Jesus. 

Many of us probably know how she feels. For quite some time now it’s been difficult to say we’re Christian without raising eyebrows or bringing the conversation to a grinding halt.  Unfortunately, the term “Christian” is now loaded with all kinds of excess baggage. It’s the kind of baggage that Jesus would have steadfastly refused to pick up. It’s the kind of baggage that the majority of Christians never packed and don’t want to claim as part of their faith. It’s the kind of baggage that a lot of followers of Jesus think of as misappropriated, mislabeled, mishandled and misdirected. 

Sadly, this excess baggage also comes with a high cost. 

The kind of baggage I’m talking about includes outright lies in the name of Jesus, or misleading teachings on everything from the Scriptures and so-called Christian values, to Christian living.

More here-

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/life/jesus-doesn-t-want-us-carrying-the-excess-baggage-of/article_e14ef63b-bc29-5b7b-a17e-4b0674a79ecd.html

Roberts: Will you pray for Donald Trump?

From Arizona-

It is all the rage these days to shun America’s soon-to-be president.

Democrats in Congress are boycotting his inauguration. A-listers in Hollywood, too.

Some of the Rockettes would like to do it but likely would lose their hoofing jobs if they’re no-shows.

Meanwhile, the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., home of the Episcopal Church, is taking heat because its choir plans to participate in Friday's inauguration festivities and not only that, the cathedral will host its traditional Inaugural Prayer Service on Saturday.

The Rev. Gary Hall, former dean of the cathedral, is among the critics who believe the cathedral should ignore Trump’s inauguration.

“I think the faith community should be a center of resistance against Donald Trump’s vision in America,” Hall told the Washington Post.

More here-

http://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/laurieroberts/2017/01/18/roberts-you-pray-donald-trump-church-pasadena-refusing-name-soon---president-its-prayers/96719790/