CALL TO CONVENTION - SUMMER 2021 4
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61st Diocesan Convention Adult Camp
October 15-16, 2021 8 August 2-5, 2021 4
ARIZONA EPISCOPALIAN // VOLUME 12 // ISSUE 3 SUMMER 2021
E NTI O N
O C O NV
CALL T
events around the diocese JULY - SEPT 2021
JULY AUGUST (continued)
ARIZONA EPISCOPALIAN // VOLUME 12 // ISSUE 3
JULY 1—4 AUGUST 14
Summer Family Camp | CHAPEL ROCK, PRESCOTT Free Food Mobile Pantry | ST. LUKE’S AT THE MOUNTAIN, PHOENIX
JULY 1 AUGUST 21
AZ Welcomes Refugees Meeting | GRACE ST. PAUL’S, TUCSON Ordination to the Priesthood of The Rev. Canon Jana Sundin |
ST. AUGUSTINE’S, TEMPE
JULY 3
Getting Connected with Province VIII BAM | ZOOM AUGUST 24
inside this issue
JULY 5 Food Pantry | ST. MARK’S, MESA
SUBMISSIONS
Fourth of July Holiday – Diocesan Office Closed Food Sharing | ST. THOMAS, CLARKDALE
We welcome submissions of original
JULY 10 AUGUST 28 articles, photographs, and event fly- SUMMER 2021
Free Food Mobile Pantry | ST. LUKE’S AT THE MOUNTAIN, PHOENIX Free Food Mobile Pantry | ST. LUKE’S AT THE MOUNTAIN, PHOENIX ers. Submissions must pertain in
some way to The Episcopal Diocese
JULY 11 of Arizona or one of its churches.
UBE Monthly Meeting | ZOOM SEPTEMBER
It is advised to check with the
editor prior to submitting, to ensure
JULY 13
your materials fit thematically
Diocesan Events left
Food Pantry | ST. MARK’S, MESA SEPTEMBER 2 and that there is space. All Contents 1
JULY 24 AZ Welcomes Refugees Meeting | GRACE ST. PAUL’S, TUCSON
submissions must be sent via
Free Food Mobile Pantry | ST. LUKE’S AT THE MOUNTAIN, PHOENIX
e-mail to Nicole Krug, Editor, at Clergy News 2
SEPTEMBER 4 nicole@azdiocese.org. Include your
JULY 27 Getting Connected with Province VIII BAM | ZOOM name, congregation, and phone
Epistle: Good Nes in the Storm 3
Food Pantry | ST. MARK’S, MESA SEPTEMBER 11
number. The editor reserves the Chapel Rck Adult Camp 4
right to edit all material for length,
Food Sharing | ST. THOMAS, CLARKDALE Free Food Mobile Pantry | ST. LUKE’S AT THE MOUNTAIN, PHOENIX clarity and accuracy. The magazine Season of Creation Is Around the Corner 5
SEPTEMBER 12 does not provide compensation
for submissions.
Trinity Cathedral Centennial 6
AUGUST UBE Monthly Meeting | ZOOM
SEPTEMBER 14
Personnel Announcements 7
DISTRIBUTION
AUGUST 2—5 Food Pantry | ST. MARK’S, MESA All households of The Episcopal
Call to Convention 8
Adult Camp | CHAPEL ROCK, PRESCOTT SEPTEMBER 25 Diocese of Arizona should receive the Best Skills Program Continues Online 11
AUGUST 5 Free Food Mobile Pantry | ST. LUKE’S AT THE MOUNTAIN, PHOENIX AZ Episcopalian magazine. If you
AZ Welcomes Refugees Meeting | GRACE ST. PAUL’S, TUCSON are not currently receiving it, or if Mission Share 12
SEPTEMBER 28 you need to change your delivery
AUGUST 7 Food Pantry | ST. MARK’S, MESA address, please contact your church
Episcopal Journal: National News 13
Getting Connected with Province VIII BAM | ZOOM Food Sharing | ST. THOMAS, CLARKDALE administrator. Each congregation Diocesan Directory 25
manages their own subscriptions.
AUGUST 10 SEPTEMBER 29
Food Pantry | ST. MARK’S, MESA Installation and Celebration of New Ministry of The Rev. Dessórdi
AUGUST 13—14 Leite | ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE, TEMPE
Council for Native American Ministry Retreat | FRANCISCAN
FRONT COVER: Chapel Rock Summer Camp staff. Photo by Rev. Canon Jana Sundin. BACK COVER: Catalan Salgado (in red) was confirmed during Bishop Reddall’s Visitation to
RENEWAL CENTER, SCOTTSDALE
Iglesia Episcopal de San Pablo (Phoenix). Also attending the service were (L to R) Mario Anota, SFC Karla Salgadocatalan (Catalan’s mom), and Zafiro Salgado. Photo: SFC Karla
Salgadocatalan.
information about these and other events online at azdiocese.org Periodicals Postage Paid at Phoenix, AZ and additional mailing offices. Arizona Episcopalian is published four times per year in January, April, July and October by The
Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, 114 W. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85003. USPS # 025-494.
Postmaster send address changes to: P.O. Box 937, Bellmawr, NJ 08099-0937 OR e-mail: ejournal@egpp.com OR call 800-691-9846.
az clergy news
Appointments Priest Ordinations
The Rev. Ron Keel is now the Interim Devin Gillespie
at St. Paul’s (Payson). Perry Pauley
The Rev. (Sam) Dessórdi Peres Leite
is the new Rector of St. James the
Apostle (Tempe).
Departures
The Rev. Pierre-Henry Buisson has ac- OPAL DIO
SC
GOOD NEWS IN THE STORM
I
CE
cepted a call as the Rector of Emman-
THE EP
SE OF
uel Episcopal Church (Delaplane, VA). Congratulations to the 2021 Deacon class! L to R: Dale Gallup,
Laurie Finn, Erin Oney, Bishop Reddall, Jean Hawkins, Craig Smith, so many years ago, and realized that for Good News in the Storm during
and Shawn Rutledge. Deacons Finn, Gallup, and Hawkins are Tran- BY THE RT REV JENNIFER A REDDALL
The Rev. Marianna Gronek has sitional Deacons (they will remain Deacons). Deacons Oney, Rut- BISHOP OF ARIZONA honoring my sense of humor, and the pandemic:
resigned as the Rector of Church of AR ledge, and Smith are Transitional Deacons (they will be ordained not the more academic areas, was • Best story of ministry
I Z O NA Priests in the future).
the Epiphany (Flagstaff). My elementary important. • Most cohesive pastoral care plan
school had a month- • Best online class or retreat
ly assembly that As we prepare for Diocesan Conven- • Best use of technology (I will sepa-
The Rev. Kelli Joyce has completed included awards for tion, knowing that Presiding Bishop rate this out by size of congregation)
her time as an Assistant at St. Philip's
students. When my Curry is going to fire us up with the • Most spectacular or amusing failure
in the Hills (Tucson) and will begin
name was called at Holy Spirit so that we may proclaim of an initiative, technology, or event
a doctoral program at Vanderbilt
an assembly when the Gospel boldly, I want to also hon-
University.
I was in first grade, or some of the amazing ministry that Nominations should include the
the adults laughed. My classmates has happened during the pandemic. name of the congregation, any spe-
Obituaries didn’t. When I got home, my mom So I am going to offer some awards— cific lay or clergy leaders that are
The Rev. John Kevin Donnelly died. He laughed at the award. I didn’t rec- with Bishop Curry—during the 2021 responsible for the ministry, and a
last served in our diocese at St. Paul’s ognize the phrase that was on the Convention. Not awards for anyone’s BRIEF description of no more than
(Tombstone). paper. So I had to ask my mom about sense of humor (at least not explicit- 150 words. If there is one hi-res photo
the topic of my award: “Mom, what’s ly), but awards for stories of the Gos- (about 1MB) or something visual that
a ‘sense of humor’?” pel in action—stories of Good News helps explain the ministry, please
The Rev. John Millar died. Fr. John in the midst of the chaos and storm include it. Email entries to Serrena
last served as an Assistant at St.
It’s possible that early-awarded sense of the pandemic. Some will be seri- Addal at serrena@azdiocese.org.
Anthony in the Desert (Scottsdale).
of humor has kept me sane and ous, a few will be lighthearted. There
grounded these past 18 months. And may be multiple winners in some
Deacon Ordinations After attending the diocesan Diaconal Ordination Service at Trinity Cathedral I find the interplay between my faith categories. Winners will receive one
(Phoenix) on Saturday, June 5, The Rev. Devin Gillespie was driving home to in Jesus and my sense of humor to be free registration to the congregation’s
Laurie Ann Finn
Safford, but had to take a different route because wildfires had closed the main helpful. My sense of humor is a part choice of a 2022 session of Summer
Dale J. Gallup highway. He shared what happened on his detour: “Just walked in the door. of humility and not taking myself—or Camp, Best Skills Best Churches,
Jean Hufford Hawkins The drive home was about 7.5 hours. Went through Florence. On the bright others—too seriously. To me, it is an Adult Camp, or the Lay Leadership SIGN UP
Erin Kathleen Cox Oney side. I stopped for gas, met a great biker gang/club. Did a short talk/sermon extension of Romans 12:15, “Rejoice Retreat.
Bishop Reddall’s E-pistle is sent out weekly to
fellowship with them in a speedway parking lot for about 30 minutes and with those who rejoice, weep with
Shawn Joseph Rutledge e-mail subscribers. Please contact Nicole Krug at
nicole@azdiocese.org if you would like to receive it.
blessed their bikes and the rest of their ride. Great things happen when you those who weep.” Laugh with those I am now accepting nominations in
Craig L. Smith meet Christ in the detours of life!” who laugh. I’m glad someone noticed the following categories of ministry
4 ARIZONA EPISCOPALIAN azdiocese.org azdiocese.org SUMMER 2021 5
SEASON OF CREATION IS AROUND THE CORNER
The Christian liturgical, or worship, ation and the interconnectedness of thanksgivings into your worship, and
calendar is divided into five seasons everything in the cosmos. It is a reli- explore new ways celebrate the life of
– Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and gious statement that love of neighbor the earth.
Ordinary Time, or the Season after extends to the entire cosmos.”
Pentecost. But a new liturgical sea- To assist with planning for the Season
son – the Season of Creation – is being In 2009, the leadership of the Angli- of Creation in the churches, The Rev.
embraced by Christian denominations can Communion called on churches Canon Pam Hyde, Canon for Creation
around the world and churches across to “celebrate a liturgical ‘Season of Care, and The Rev. Steve Keplinger,
The Episcopal Church. Creation’ as an integral part of the rector of Grace St. Paul’s in Tucson,
church’s yearly pattern of worship and will be offering an information ses-
What is the Season of Creation? Grace teaching.” And in 2018, Archbishop of sion via Zoom on Tuesday, July 13 at
St. Paul’s in Tucson, which celebrates Canterbury Justin Welby joined lead- 11 am. For those in churches who are
it annually, describes it this way: ers of eight other Christian churches considering adopting a Season of Cre-
“The Season of Creation is a celebra- in a joint letter encouraging participa- ation, this session is a way of learning
tion of the life of the earth and a call tion in the Season of Creation. about liturgical and preaching resourc-
to humanity to recognize our relation- es, brainstorming ideas about special
ship with the earth. It is a recognition Consider adopting and celebrating events and educational offerings, and
that God’s incarnation is found not an annual Season of Creation at your getting all your questions answered.
just in humanity, but in all of the cre- church! Between September 1, the More information about this session,
ated order. It celebrates God’s pres- World Day of Prayer for the Care of including how to register, has been
ence with us, in the face of the strang- Creation, and October 4, the feast of sent via email to clergy.
ADULT CAMP
er and in the beauty of a flower. It is St. Francis, deepen your relationship
also a cry of hope that all of humanity to creation and the Creator, incor- Be the next church to make the
will recognize the sacredness of cre- porate creation-centric prayers and
Season of Creation the sixth
season in YOUR church!
A delightful summer retreat for adults over the age
of 40! Spend your time enjoying a variety of
activities such as crafts, kayaking, music, campfire,
a talent show and meaningful conversation. Plus,
there will be plenty of down time, so you can relax
and enjoy all that a Prescott summer has to offer.
Linen rooms and ADA accommodations available.
AUGUST 2-5, 2021
CHAPEL ROCK CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTER
Register online at chapelrock.net/adult-camp
6 ARIZONA EPISCOPALIAN azdiocese.org azdiocese.org SUMMER 2021 7
PERSONNEL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Illuminating In preparation for the eventual
retirement of Canon Cathy
but she will also have substantial
responsibilities for supporting our
For more than
Commission on Ministry and Deacon
Black, our office is adjusting Formation Academy, as well as tak-
some position descriptions and ing on additional responsibilities as
100 years responsibilities. the Ordination Officer for the Diocese,
handling licensing and canonical resi-
dency requests.
Trinity Cathedral Centennial
Celebrating 100 years of CATHY BLACK
the Cathedral sanctuary. Our plan is that Canon Cathy Black
will shift to a part time position in
Join us September January of 2022. Her continued wis-
2021 to June 2022. dom and experience as the Canon for
Administration will allow us to con-
A calendar of events is tinue to guide vestries and other lead-
available in August at ership bodies in their canonical roles
trinitycathedral.com and responsibilities.
SERRENA ADDAL
As of June 1, 2021, Serrena Addal
began training to become Bishop
Reddall’s new Executive Assistant, a
role she will take on in its entirety at
the beginning of 2022. We have been
searching for a new receptionist to
take on Serrena's current duties, and
hope to have that person in place in
July. For the rest of 2021, Serrena and
Cathy will be working to shift respon-
sibilities for Bishop Reddall’s calendar
and support, as well as the support
of our Standing Committee and other
bodies, into Serrena's capable hands.
DAWN JACKSON
Also as of June 1, Dawn Jackson
ceased being the Assistant to the TIFFANY CRAMER
Canon for Administration, and Tiffany Cramer, our Events Coordinator,
took on a new role as Assistant ANITA BRADEN has resigned. Her last day was June
to the Canon to the Ordinary and On June 1, The Rev. Canon Anita 17. We wish her well in her next
for Ministry. Dawn's new primary Braden assumed the responsibilities endeavor. The search for her replace-
responsibility is to serve as the as the Chief of Staff and now oversees ment has begun and we are working
Assistant to Canon Anita Braden; the support staff of the diocesan office. to have someone in place soon.
8 ARIZONA EPISCOPALIAN azdiocese.org azdiocese.org SUMMER 2021 9
CALL TO CONVENTION: POWER OF THE SPIRIT
61st Diocesan Convention ELECTION OF STANDING ing the close of the Convention when
the election took place. The board
of the Episcopal Diocese COMMITTEE
shall consist of not fewer than nine
of Arizona The Standing Committee consists of
six clergy and six lay members who
persons, five of whom are members
of the Clergy and four of whom are
October 9 (online) and shall each serve a three (3) year term
Laity. Election this year is for three
and not more that two consecutive
October 15-16, 2021 (in person 3-year terms. Election this year is for
(3) clerical positions for 3-year terms
and three (3) lay positions for a
& online) two clerical members for a 3-year
3-year term. Incumbents in the cleri-
term and one clerical member to
cal order, Rev. John Christopher, Rev.
This year’s Diocesan Convention complete a one-year term due to a
Patrice Cole, Rev. Daniel Richards,
will be a hybrid convention. This resignation. Election this year is for
and in the lay order, William Broth-
means that we will be meeting two lay members for a 3-year term.
erton, Dave Loder, and Deborah Tina-
online and in person. On Saturday, The term of office will begin immedi-
jero are eligible for re-election.
October 9, we will be meeting online ately following the Diocesan Conven-
only beginning at 9:00a.m. to conduct tion. Incumbents in the clerical order,
The Disciplinary Board is called upon
the business-meeting portion of the Rev. Bruce Jackson, Rev. Robert
when a Title IV disciplinary issue
61st Diocesan Convention. Hendrickson and Rev. Robin Hollis,
moves to a Conference Panel or Hear-
and in the lay order, Cody Bro, are
ing Panel level.
Then, on October 15 – 16, the Presiding eligible for re-election. [Even though
Bishop, The Most Rev. Michael Curry, there are three incumbents in the
will join us for the rest of our Conven- clerical order, there are only two RESOLUTIONS
tion. We will have wonderful work- available positions. This will balance Resolutions will be printed in the
shops beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Friday the clerical vs lay positions on the convention materials, and then dis-
and powerful worship beginning at committee created when deacons cussed during the breakout session,
10:00 a.m. on Saturday at Church for were moved from the deacon/lay to still to be scheduled, and voted on
the Nations, 6225 N. Central Ave. in the clerical order.] during the business meeting on
Phoenix for those that want to join in Saturday, October 9.
person, and via livestream for those The Standing Committee is the Ad-
that prefer to join online. visory Council to the Bishop meet- CONSTITUTION AND
ing approximately 6 times a year. In CANON CHANGES
addition, the Standing Committee Any Constitution and Canon chang-
serves as the Ecclesiastical Authority es will be printed in the convention
CONVENTION BUSINESS in the event of a vacancy in the Epis- materials, and then discussed at the
copate. The Standing Committee also pre-convention workshop and voted
provides consent for Bishop Elections on during the business meeting on
and participates in the review of can-
ELECTION OF SECRETARY TO Saturday, October 9.
didates for ordination.
CONVENTION
The Secretary to Convention shall APPROVAL OF THE 2022
be elected for a term of one year and ELECTION OF DISCIPLINARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT
shall be Secretary of the Diocesan BOARD MEMBERS OF MISSION
Convention. Election this year is for The members of the Board shall be The 2022 Financial Statement of
a 1-year term. Incumbent, Susan Mc- elected by Convention. Each mem- Mission, which has been put forth by
Cann, is eligible for re-election. ber shall be elected for a three (3) the Finance Committee and Standing
year term; except, if a member is Committee, must be approved by Con-
Duties include acting as recording elected to fill a vacancy, the term of vention. The budget will be printed in
secretary for every meeting of the that member shall be the unexpired the convention materials, discussed
Convention; performing such duties term of the member being replaced. at the pre-convention workshop, and
as assigned by the Bishop, the Con- The term of the member shall com- voted on at the business meeting on
vention or the Standing Committee. mence on the first (1st) day follow- the Saturday, October 9.
10 ARIZONA EPISCOPALIAN azdiocese.org azdiocese.org SUMMER 2021 11
CALL FOR RESOLUTIONS Clergy Eligible to Vote: Canon I, Sec- tion fee for visitors is $60.00. The diocese of Arizona is excited to So, the Diocesan Altar Guild will have
Guidelines for Diocesan Resolutions tion 4(a): Every member of the Clergy host the Presiding Bishop, The Most tables displaying items from the
are available on the Convention page who is: (1) In good standing; (2) Ca- PRE-CONVENTION Rev. Michael Curry. Don't miss out! Bishop’s Closet that your church may
of the diocesan website at www.az- nonically and actually resident in the WORKSHOPS need. A list of the inventory will be
diocese.org. The instructions for com- Diocese and; (3) Actively exercising a As in past years, there will be two HOTEL INFORMATION available ahead of Convention, so you
pleting the resolution template form regular parochial or Diocesan min- pre-convention workshops this year: Hotels with blocks of rooms available can see what you may need.
and the resolution form are available istry in the Diocese, as determined Budget, Canons & Resolutions and the with special rates have been secured.
on the Convention page of the dioc- by the rector or vicar of the parish or Candidate Forum. The Zoom links for These rates are only available until
esan website. Complete the template mission in which they serve, or by the these workshops will be sent to the dates specified. You are not re-
form and email the completed resolu- bishop; is a Clerical Member of, and registered participants. The dates quired to use these hotels; these
tion [note “Convention Resolution” in shall be entitled to a seat and vote in and times for these workshops will arrangements were made as a cour-
the subject line] no later than August Convention. Every other member of be posted with the schedule for tesy only. Please see the diocesan
25 to: the Clergy who is in good standing convention. website for details.
THE REV. BEN GARREN and is canonically resident in the Dio-
CHAIR, RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE cese shall have a seat in Convention
WORKSHOPS EXHIBITS
EMAIL: ECMTUCSON@GMAIL.COM but no vote. Due to the hybrid nature of Diocesan
Workshops will be offered on Friday,
October 15. These will be in person Convention, there will not be any
If you have any questions, please
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS at Church for the Nations, Phoenix Exhibits this year. However, during
contact Cathy Black, Registrar of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bishop’s
Any member of the Clergy canonical- as well as available for those not in
Convention, at 602.254.0976 or email Closet became full to overflowing.
ly resident or any lay communicant attendance. Please see the convention
cathy@azdiocese.org.
in good standing may submit to the schedule for the workshop listing
Chair of the Nominating Commit- and schedule.
tee no later than August 25, 2021. DELEGATE/CLERGY
For one or more persons to fill the REGISTRATION WORSHIP
positions listed above, complete a As stated earlier, the 2021 convention Our Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev.
nomination form, available on the will be a hybrid convention. So, in Michael Curry, will be with us for a
Convention page of the diocesan keeping with this theme we are using fabulous Eucharist on Saturday,
website, www.azdiocese.org. First, the online registration process again October 16 at 10:00 a.m. This service
PROGRAM CONTINUES ONLINE
seek permission from the person you this year. The registration form, as will be in person at Church for the
wish to nominate, carefully complete last year, will indicate the number of Nations, Phoenix and livestreamed
the online form. In addition, each delegates, wardens and clergy eligible on the diocesan YouTube channel
candidate for election must complete to voice and vote at Convention. The
Best
(www.youtube.com/azdiocese1) as Last year, we transitioned to online classes for the Best
the list of questions, which can also registration fee for each person is still well. Worship will be open to dele- Skills Best Churches program, and the response was great!
be downloaded from the diocesan $60.00. Registrations will be available
Skills
gates and visitors for Convention, as We will continue online sessions for the holistic, nonprofit
website, www.azdiocese.org. Send the the first week of August. well as ticket-holders from congre- management graduate/executive level certificate program
questions as a Word document. DO
Best
gations and the community. Those beginning again in November. The Nonprofit Management
NOT PDF THIS DOCUMENT. Attach a VISITOR REGISTRATION who are registered for the Diocesan Program is specially designed to empower clergy and lay A Program of
passport-type photo (hi-resolution of
Churches
Visitors are welcome to participate Convention will have access to the leaders by teaching best practices in nonprofit management The Episcopal
about 1MB required). Email the photo in Diocesan Convention. Visitors can Eucharist service. Others who wish to to strengthen and grow Christ's church. Graduates earn a Diocese of Arizona
and answers to questions to: download a registration form the di- attend the Eucharist service can reg- Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the ASU Lodestar
DREW RYAN ocesan website (www.azdiocese.org). Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation.
ister beginning on September 1 on the
CHAIR, NOMINATING COMMITTEE Forms will be available on the website diocesan website, www.azdiocese.org.
EMAIL: RYAN.DREW.M@GMAIL.COM the first week of August. The registra- The six-module program will be held entirely online monthly on Friday nights and Saturday mornings. Registration
opens in September. Watch the weekly E-pistle e-newsletter for more information or visit the program webpage at:
azdiocese.org/bestskills.html.
12 ARIZONA EPISCOPALIAN azdiocese.org azdiocese.org SUMMER 2021 13
Journal Episcopal
2021 MISSION SHARE RECEIVABLES REPORT
Monthly Tally with YTD Total
Indicates "Parish" Mission Share Reports Received - Activity Month YTD (April) YTD YTD YTD
Indicates "Mission" Dec + Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Reported 16.9% of Paid Unpaid
2020 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 Income Income
Benson, St. Raphael's 19,113.00 3,230.10 3,230.11 0.01
Bisbee, St. John's 9,597.07 1,621.90 1,621.89 (0.01)
Casa Grande, St. Peter's 87,644.04 14,811.84 14,811.84 (0.00)
Cave Creek, Good Shepherd 83,144.22 14,051.37 14,051.37 (0.00)
Chandler, St. Matthew's 260,995.82 44,108.29 44,108.29 (0.00) Quarterly eDItION Summer 2021
Clarkdale, St. Thomas 31,451.91 5,315.37 5,315.16 (0.21)
Coolidge, St. Michael's 10,756.55 1,817.86 1,817.85 (0.01)
Douglas, St. Stephen's 10,237.40 1,730.12 1,730.00 (0.12)
Flagstaff, Epiphany
Gilbert, Resurrection
Glendale, St. Andrew's
153,143.36
45,745.00
4,680.00
25,881.23
7,730.91
790.92
24,946.09
7,730.91
791.00
(935.14)
0.00
0.08
Episcopal dioceses ease COVID-19 precautions
Glendale, St. John/Baptist
Globe, St. John's
127,384.09
53,149.00
21,527.91
8,982.18
21,527.91
8,981.98
(0.00)
(0.20)
Churches greet CDC’s mask update with caution, cheer
Green Valley, St. Francis 250,732.83 42,373.85 42,373.83 (0.02)
Holbrook, St. George 7,808.74 1,319.68 1,317.15 (2.53) By David Paulsen updates to their protocols,
Kingman, Trinity 17,536.00 2,963.58 2,963.57 (0.01)
Episcopal News Service in many cases easing mask
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 requirements and allowing
T
Lake Havasu City, Grace
Lakeside, Our Saviour 113,685.16 19,212.79 19,212.79 (0.00)
Litchfield Park. St. Peter's 167,531.11 28,312.76 28,312.76 0.00
he partially ob- a gradual return to normal
Mesa, St. Mark's 70,829.81 11,970.24 11,970.25 0.01 scured faces of pa- congregational singing and
Mesa, Transfiguration 84,415.20 14,266.17 14,266.17 0.00 rishioners in the fellowship time, such as
Morenci, SS Philip & James 2,863.70 483.97 483.97 0.00 pews greeted the coffee hours.
Nogales, St. Andrew's 35,109.14 5,933.44 5,933.44 (0.00) Rev. Jamie Parsley as he They also urge caution,
Oro Valley, Apostles 77,818.48 13,151.32 13,151.31 (0.01)
Para.Vall., Christ Ch. Asc. 400,942.26 67,759.24 67,759.25 0.01
celebrated Holy Eucharist since not everyone has
Payson, St. Paul's 50,735.70 8,574.33 8,576.85 2.52 on May 16. Their masks been vaccinated and vac-
Phoenix, Trinity Cathedral 158,982.00 26,867.96 26,867.96 (0.00) were a fact of pandemic life cination eligibility has not
Phoenix, All Saints' 433,226.53 73,215.28 57,058.05 (16,157.23) for the past year under the yet extended to children
Phoenix, St. Luke's @ Mt. 9,007.00 1,522.18 1,522.19 0.01 under age 12.
Diocese of North Dakota’s
Phoenix, Santa Maria 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Phoenix, St. Mary's
New Clergy is working with them to start paying Mission Share.
56,958.82 9,626.04 9,626.04 (0.00)
COVID-19 protocols, but “What wonderful news!”
Photo/St. Stephen’s
Phx, St Paul's Sudanese Agreement with Bishop Smith of $1,000 per year/No end specified. 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Parsley sensed a change East Carolina Bishop Rob
Phoenix, St. Stephen's 80,199.29 13,553.68 13,553.68 (0.00) coming. Bishop Thomas Ely of the Diocese of North Dakota, attends a service Skirving said in a message
Phoenix, San Pablo 23,938.00 4,045.52 4,045.49 (0.03) After the Sunday service May 19 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Fargo. The congregation to his diocese in response to
Prescott, St. Luke's 220,367.83 37,242.16 37,242.17 0.01
at St. Stephen’s Episcopal lifted its mask requirement the same week for vaccinated worshippers. the CDC announcement.
Safford, All Saint's 10,727.55 1,812.96 1,812.79 (0.17)
Scottsdale, Nativity 146,204.78 24,708.61 24,708.61 0.00
Church in Fargo, Parsley, the church’s nated Americans wear face masks in pub- Los Angeles Bishop John Harvey Taylor
Scottsdale, St Anthony 118,709.81 20,061.96 20,061.96 0.00 rector, met with the vestry and discussed lic, but vaccinated individuals don’t need said it “made our hearts leap for joy.”
Scottsdale, St. Barnabas 553,133.01 93,479.48 93,479.48 0.00 their plan to allow worshippers who have to take that precaution. States, communi- But in California, public health pre-
Sedona, St Andrews 87,491.75 14,786.11 14,786.10 (0.01) been vaccinated against COVID-19 to at- ties, businesses and churches followed up cautions to slow the spread of COVID-19
Sierra Vista, St Stephen's 69,525.00 11,749.73 11,749.72 (0.01)
Sun City, All Saints' 149,865.60 25,327.29 25,327.29 0.00
tend services without wearing masks. The by lifting many of their remaining mask remained in effect, including mask wear-
Sun City, St. Christopher's 81,853.03 13,833.16 13,833.15 (0.01) change was based on the new guidelines is- requirements. ing and social distancing. “State and local
Sun City West, Advent 150,207.49 25,385.07 25,385.06 (0.01) sued the previous week by the Centers for At St. Stephen’s, the service on May 19 officials will soon have more to say about
Tempe, Epiphany 197,467.48 33,372.00 33,372.00 (0.00) Disease Control and Prevention. was the first time vaccinated worshippers the local impact of the CDC statement,”
Tempe, St. Augustine's 43,853.00 7,411.16 7,411.23 0.07 Similar discussions have taken place were invited to leave their masks at home. Taylor said in an email newsletter. “If we
Tempe, St. James 36,297.00 6,134.19 6,134.43 0.24
in the past week in congregations across “It was a unique situation, people com- end up sounding cautious, remember that
Tombstone, St. Paul's 0.00 0.00 400.00 400.00 the Episcopal Church in response to the ing in for the first time not wearing their many of our folks are in high-risk catego-
Tucson, Christ the King 132,427.50 22,380.25 22,380.25 0.00 CDC’s update and the subsiding threat masks,” Parsley told ENS. “It feels like ries,” he said. “For now: Love your neigh-
Tucson, Grace St. Paul's 186,042.45 31,441.17 31,441.16 (0.01) of the pandemic. COVID-19 cases in we’re coming to the end of the pandemic.” bor. Wear your mask.”
Tucson, St. Alban's 169,124.39 28,582.02 28,582.02 (0.00) the United States have dropped to their The CDC specifically said it is safe for North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper re-
Tucson, St. Andrew's 35,774.80 6,045.94 6,045.94 (0.00)
Tucson, St. Matthew's 86,789.22 14,667.38 14,667.38 0.00
lowest level in nearly a year, and millions vaccinated people to “attend a full-capacity sponded to the CDC guidelines by lift-
Tucson, St. Michael's & All 98,953.71 16,723.18 16,723.18 0.00 more Americans are receiving vaccination worship service” and “sing in an indoor cho- ing his order that had required people
Tucson, St. Philip's in the… 469,782.51 79,393.24 79,393.33 0.09 doses each day. rus” without wearing masks. In response, to wear face coverings and maintain safe
Wickenburg, St. Alban's 46,778.39 7,905.55 7,905.55 0.00 The CDC still recommends unvacci- bishops and dioceses have issued a flurry of continued on page B
Williams, St. John's 7,518.10 1,270.56 1,270.56 0.00
Winslow, St. Paul's 2,240.00 378.56 378.56 (0.00)
Totals 6,040,495.63 1,020,843.76 1,004,151.07 (16,692.70)
news Feature arts
Diocese marks Churches explore Icon artist’s
C F J
In Report: 58 Churches (31 Parishes and 26 Missions, 1 Cathedral) Additions to Note: 1 Church Plant (Emmaus), 4 College Chapels Juneteenth earth care through images reflect
(ASU - Mesa, NAU Canterbury - Flagstaff, ASU - Tempe, & U of A - Tucson) & 1 Missional Community (Harbor Church) with feast day solar power today’s crises
14 ARIZONA EPISCOPALIAN azdiocese.org
B Episcopal Journal summer 2021 NEws n n NEws Summer 2021 EpiScopal Journal C
CovID continued from page a resume in the diocese, such
as distribution of Commu- Diocese of California creates Juneteenth feast day,
distances in most indoor set-
tings. Skirving urged con-
nion wafers at the altar rail,
but he advised that masks seeks to add holiday to churchwide calendar
gregations to craft reopen- should continue to be worn
ing plans that respected all by everyone “in settings By David Paulsen protests against racial injustice across the
members and supported the when vaccination status of Episcopal News Service country and drew attention to the his-
health of their communities. participants is unknown.” torical roots of racial oppression in the
J
“Not all of us are old Wright also asked vaccinated uneteenth is rec- United States.
enough to be vaccinated, not Episcopalians not to shame ognized by most Episcopalians joined in celebrating the
all of us can be safely vaccinat- those who have not been states as a secular holiday last year while highlighting the
ed, and not all of us have cho- vaccinated, and he warned holiday and cele- church’s continuing efforts at racial rec-
sen to be vaccinated,” Skirving against developing “two tiers brated in many American onciliation. More events are planned for
said. “Will our congrega- of membership in Christ’s communities on June 19. this year:
Photo/St. Luke’s, via Facebook
tions be places that welcome St. Luke the Physician Episcopal Church in Gresham, Ore., holds church.” This year, the Diocese of Episcopalians in Galveston participat-
all people, or only some?” The Diocese of Milwau- California took its June- ed in local celebrations on June 19, mark-
an outdoor worship service in May.
And while pandemic con- kee alluded to similar con- teenth commemorations ing the holiday’s origins in the city, and
ditions have improved across the United copal parish life since the pandemic was cerns in issuing advice to its congrega- a step further with an Grace Episcopal Church offered a choral
States in recent months, dioceses continue declared in March 2020. That month, tions. The CDC’s differing guidance for inaugural feast day wor- Evensong, emphasizing the importance of
to assess the varying severity of local coro- bishops abruptly suspended in-person vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals ship service for the holi- Photo/Demetrius Keeler/unsplash.com
expanding historical narratives to include
navirus outbreaks in determining how worship services, encouraging congrega- “is problematic for a spiritual commu- day, which celebrates the Bronze figures look out from the Texas African American marginalized groups.
congregations can safely gather in person. tions to use technology to stay connected nity,” the diocese’s Standing Committee emancipation of Ameri- History Memorial on the grounds of the Texas Capitol in Presiding Bishop Michael Curry spoke
Only 38% of Coloradans had been remotely, including through livestreamed said in a May 14 letter. Although it an- can slaves. Austin. The central portion of the memorial, by sculptor Ed
by prerecorded video on behalf of the dio-
fully vaccinated when Colorado Bishop services. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry nounced some revisions to worship guide- The diocese added Dwight, depicts the original Juneteenth in Texas in 1865. ceses of Western New York and North-
Kym Lucas sent a mid-May message to issued a message to the church endorsing lines in the southern Wisconsin diocese, Juneteenth to its calen- western Pennsylvania at an online June-
the diocese about the CDC’s shifting a temporary fast from in-person worship the mask requirement remains in place. dar of feasts by a vote of its convention sued by President Abraham Lincoln had teenth celebration.
recommendations for masking. The state and Communion as “an act of love for In other corners of the church, con- in October 2020. Since then, members of taken effect on Jan. 1, 1863, but the order Washington National Cathedral hon-
also has one of the highest per capita coro- God and our neighbor.” gregations are cheering the CDC’s shift in the regional chapter of the Union of Black had little effect in the parts of the South ored Juneteenth in the lighting of its west
navirus case rates in the country, though Most congregations have since re- guidance on mask wearing. Episcopalians, or UBE, have worked with still controlled by the Confederacy during front.
totals are declining. Lucas said she was not sumed some form of in-person gather- “We have reached a moment we have the diocese’s Afro-Anglican Commission the Civil War. Even though the war end- Bishop Suffragan Gayle Harris, of the
yet prepared to update her COVID-19 ing, often limited to smaller groups than long waited for,” the Rev. Susan Sow- to develop a Juneteenth liturgy. ed in April 1865, former slaves in Texas Diocese of Massachusetts, led an online
recommendations for the diocese’s par- their pre-pandemic attendance. Outdoor ers, rector of St. Christopher’s Episcopal It was celebrated for the first time June didn’t receive news that they were free un- celebration.
ishes and missions. services have been a common alterna- Church in Pensacola, Fla., said in a May 19 at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco and til two months later. In Richmond, Va. a daylong series of
“I encourage you to start/continue the tive. Other pandemic precautions became 19 newsletter to church members. With livestreamed on Facebook. The diocese is Celebrations of Juneteenth took on activities was planned at St. Peter’s Epis-
conversations about regathering, but do widespread indoors, including distancing pandemic conditions improving, wor- also proposing that the feast day be added greater resonance last year, when the holi- copal Church and St. John’s Episcopal
not feel compelled to make quick chang- in the pews, hand sanitizer on the altar shippers no longer will have to sign up to the churchwide calendar when the 80th day occurred less than a month after the Church, including a worship service and
es; I encourage you to continue wearing and masks on worshippers’ faces. Con- to attend services at St. Christopher’s, she General Convention meets next year. killing by police of George Floyd in Min- participation in a March for Unity.
masks and maintain appropriate physi- gregational singing was curbed because it said, and singing is now allowed. Jeanette Dinwiddie-Moore, co-chair neapolis. Cellphone video of the murder “It’s an important holiday,” the Rev.
cal distance indoors,” Lucas wrote. She increased the risk of spreading the virus. Masks will no longer be required for of the UBE chapter and a member of St. of a Black man by a white officer inspired continued on page L
promised to provide more detailed dioc- Communion, if distributed, generally vaccinated worshippers at the church’s Paul’s Episcopal Church in Oakland, was
esan guidance soon. was limited to the bread, sometimes with Saturday evening and early Sunday ser- a leading proponent of the resolution that
On the other end of the scale, Oklaho- walk-up or drive-up options. vices, though everyone still will be asked created the diocesan feast day because she
ma now has one of the lowest per capita Now, pandemic worship practices to wear masks at the more-crowded 10:30 thinks it is important to deepen awareness
case rates and is averaging fewer than 200 are changing again. Atlanta Bishop Rob a.m. Sunday service. of the history of slavery.
new cases a day. Even before the CDC’s Wright said May 14 he would allow vacci- “From the beginning of this pandemic, Juneteenth is sometimes called the
update, Oklahoma Bishop Poulson Reed nated worshippers in his northern Georgia we have graciously accepted restrictions country’s second Independence Day,
had been planning to ease restrictions on diocese to attend indoor services without in our in-person worshiping because we Dinwiddie-Moore noted, and stories of
in-person worship in his diocese starting wearing masks, and they can sing in indoor share the same commitment of protecting emancipation are still relevant to the chal-
May 23. In a new message to the diocese, choirs. Unvaccinated worshippers should the most vulnerable among us,” Sowers lenges that people of color face in the 21st
he advised that all pandemic precautions continue to follow previous precautions. said. “We have really hung in there these century.
are now voluntary for congregations. “While the CDC’s new guidelines past 14 months, and I want us to cross the “It’s also a fact that oppression and
He also urged all eligible Oklahomans are welcome news for us as individuals,” finish-line together!” slavery in different forms still exist in
to get their COVID-19 shots. Only a Wright said, “they represent continued Just east of Portland, Ore., St. Luke the the world today, and even in the United
third of the state is fully vaccinated. complications for us a community of Physician Episcopal Church in Gresham States,” she told ENS.
“This pandemic is not yet over, but it is faith made up of vaccinated, partially vac- is preparing to return to indoor worship June 19 marks the anniversary of the
much diminished,” Reed said in his May cinated, and unvaccinated persons, as well on May 23 for the first time in more than day in 1865 when Union Maj. Gen.
14 message. “It is time to rebuild our con- as overwhelmingly unvaccinated young a year, and only those who have not been Gordon Granger and his troops arrived
gregations in Oklahoma, by the power of people and those of all ages who are im- vaccinated will be asked to wear masks. A in Galveston, Texas, and announced to
the Holy Spirit. Let’s get to work.” munocompromised.” church Facebook post cited an internal slaves there that they had been freed.
The coronavirus has upended Epis- Some pre-pandemic practices may continued on page L The Emancipation Proclamation is-
D Episcopal Journal summer 2021 FEaTurE n n FEaTurE Summer 2021 EPISCOPAL JOURNAL E
For many LGBTQ Episcopalians,
the struggle for full inclusion is not over – it’s expanded
LGBtQ continued from page D
The constitutions and canons of some dioceses still ‘ People across the church
should feel fully embraced and
’
officially ban gay clergy — unless celibate — and same-
sex marriages, including Albany, Dallas and Central their leadership honored.
By egan Millard done,” Partridge told ENS. “I think that the work is unfinished. Florida. In the ordination application forms for Cen-
And I think my sense is that the cathedral has heard loud and tral Florida and Dallas, ordinands are asked to affirm — the rev. Cameron Partridge
Episcopal News Service
clear that there’s more work to be done.” that they will abide by the diocesan canons that define
F
or years, the LGBTQ movement in the Episcopal Church However, the goals now are more diverse and less tangible marriage as one man and one woman and stipulate that clergy One potential resolution to address discrimination in hiring
had a specific primary goal in mind: full participation in than they were in the 1990s and 2000s, when Integrity advocat- must remain celibate outside of marriage. clergy might involve “finding ways to make the search and
the sacraments, including matrimony and holy orders. ed for procedural gains at General Convention. With Integrity According to the Episcopal Church’s canon law, churches in call process truly open and inclusive,” said House of Deputies
After decades of activism by advocates like Louie Crew now essentially defunct, there is a less unified agenda, but two ar- such dioceses that wish to perform same-sex marriages may seek President the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings during the webinar.
Clay and groups like Integrity, those goals were achieved — at eas of concern have emerged from those who have been vocal on pastoral oversight from another bishop, although even that was Other ideas included a sexuality and gender audit, similar to
least on paper — by 2018, when General Convention approved the issue. In public discussions and interviews with ENS, some still prohibited in the Diocese of Albany as recently as January the racial justice audit the church just performed.
a resolution granting full churchwide access to same-sex mar- LGBTQ Episcopalians have said the official stance of acceptance 2021. And some parishes explicitly state that they only marry Partridge and Graves told ENS that one of the major chal-
riage rites. is not practiced on the ground in heterosexual couples, including The Episcopal Church’s largest lenges ahead is translating resolutions and statements into vis-
Three years later, the ques- some areas of the church, espe- parish, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston. ible actions on the diocesan and congregational levels. Partridge
tion of whether the campaign cially when it comes to transgen- “In some parts of the church, it may seem like full inclusion praised the efforts of the TransEpiscopal advocacy group, which
for LGBTQ acceptance in the der and nonbinary people and is no longer really an issue, like we’ve been there, done that, and has been active since 2005 and is currently working on compil-
church is complete is a topic of LGBTQ people of color. we’re kind of on to the next thing,” said the Rev. Devon An- ing a list of readings and resources to help educate Episcopalians
increasing discussion. For many “People’s experiences are derson, rector of Trinity Church in Excelsior, Minnesota, and a on transgender issues.
LGBTQ Episcopalians, the an- pretty uneven,” Partridge said. member of Executive Council, “but I just think in so many oth- He hopes that parishes will host workshops and reading series
swer is no, but the path forward “People across the church should er places, people … feel vulnerable because either local leaders that will help them not only welcome the transgender and non-
is less focused on one legislative feel fully embraced and their aren’t supportive or because civil protections seem to be at risk.” binary people who may visit, but also embrace and honor those
outcome and more on cultural leadership honored, and I think Anderson put forth a resolution that Executive Council who are already in their congregations or have family members
shifts. that is happening in a variety of passed at its April meeting, which expresses lament for the harm who are.
The spectrum of gender and places, but it’s not happening the church has done to LGBTQ people and pledges to do better. “It’s not like a not-yet thing; it’s a reality,” Partridge told ENS,
sexuality in America is increas- everywhere. And there’s a need The resolution doesn’t mention the Max Lucado incident specifi- “and people need to feel fully embraced and supported, and to
ingly diverse and visible, with to really embrace the gains that cally, but Anderson said she was prompted to write the resolu- really truly feel that the Episcopal Church has their back.” n
more Americans than ever iden- we’ve made legislatively within tion by the reaction to that, as well as the Vatican’s statement in
Photo/Danielle E. Thomas/Washington National Cathedral
tifying as LGBT. However, Pride the church and to really embody March that the Roman Catholic Church will not bless same-sex
celebrations this month are co- Members of Washington National Cathedral participate in them more fully.” unions, calling them sinful.
inciding with a record number the 2019 Capital Pride Parade in Washington, D.C. Partridge and others say “I had parishioners that were like, ‘How do I interpret all
of anti-transgender bills in state legislatures, largely centered many parishes, even ones that profess to be LGBTQ-inclusive, of this stuff that’s going on? Where’s the church in this? Am I
around young transgender athletes and access to medical care. don’t have the experience or resources to fully welcome transgen- still safe here? Is this someplace that’s going to use my gifts and
While the Episcopal Church has been among the most pro- der and nonbinary people, let alone hire them or include them deployment fully in ministry and offer me all the sacraments?’”
gressive denominations in regard to LGBTQ acceptance, some in leadership positions. she told ENS.
say it hasn’t evolved enough. Criticism of Washington National “Probably the biggest area for us to grow is … supporting The resolution “confesses the Church’s continued heterosex-
Cathedral’s decision to invite the Rev. Max Lucado, who previ- trans and nonbinary folk in the church,” said the Rev. Charles ism, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, and the ongo-
ously expressed anti-gay views, has revealed a rift in the church, Graves IV, the Diocese of Texas’ campus missioner in Houston. ing harmful impact of anti-LGBTQ+ Christian proclamation,
with some saying the move was a slap in the face to LGBTQ Graves told ENS he doesn’t feel comfortable referring LGBTQ preaching, pastoral care, and theology” and expresses a renewed
Episcopalians. And when the Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson, the first students, especially those who are transgender and nonbinary, to commitment to ensuring that LGBTQ people experience a “full
openly LGBTQ bishop in the Anglican Communion, tried to some parishes because they might not have accepting and inclu- and equal claim” to church life.
assuage those concerns by saying “we’ve won” the battle for LG- sive environments. Some of that is cultural, he said, but it also Anderson, who consulted with Partridge and other LG-
BTQ inclusion, for some, it has never felt that way — especially comes down to more practical issues. BTQ Episcopalians in crafting the resolution’s language, said
those who are not white and cisgender. “Most churches don’t have a bathroom that a nonbinary she thought the church needed to acknowledge the rejection
“That was a really striking moment to me as a Latino gay person can go to and not feel weird about,” he said. “In a lot and pain some are still experiencing and reassure them that the
man,” said Miguel Escobar, executive director of the Episcopal of places … if you’re somebody who uses they/them pronouns, church’s leaders are still working to ensure they are welcomed
Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary, during a House you’re going to end up explaining that to people 500 times.” everywhere.
of Deputies discussion on May 18 titled “A Full and Equal Some LGBTQ Episcopalians of color have said that their The resolution itself does not solve the existing problems, she
experience added barriers to acceptance. In a church that said, but it provides a basis for more specific actions to that end.
Claim: LGBTQ+ Episcopalians Discuss the Path Forward.”
“I heard that and thought, ‘Wow, that’s not my experience continues to struggle with racism within its structures and “You can’t mobilize anybody around a platitude, and in some Transformed
as a person of color [in] this church, or member of society as an membership, their race magnifies the exclusion they already ways, you could look at this resolution and think, ‘Wow, that’s
LGBTQ person.’” feel as LGBTQ people. another platitude,’” but it goes deeper than that, she told ENS. by Friendship
Others on the panel agreed that the National Cathedral inci- “There were some churches I applied to that I couldn’t get as a “[It says,] we’ve committed ourselves resolutely to this vision, GFS provides an environment for girls
dent highlighted a disconnect in the church but also presented gay person, and there were others that I applied to that I couldn’t and the church is going to make serious mistakes and that doesn’t to build healthy, supportive relationships.
a learning opportunity, including the Rev. Cameron Partridge, get as a Black person,” Graves told ENS, describing his earlier mean that the vision isn’t still intact or any less sacred,” she said.
rector of St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in San Francisco and a job searches. “The same is true for female clergy and even more A range of more specific solutions have been proposed, An Episcopal fellowship for girls age 5 and up
transgender man. so for nonbinary clergy. The more of those categories they check including ideas for General Convention resolutions that Visit www.gfsus.org today!
“I completely respect Bishop Gene and everything that he’s off, the harder it’s going to be.” continued on page e came up during the May 18 House of Deputies webinar.F EPISCOPAL JOURNAL Summer 2021 FEaTurE n n FEaTurE Summer 2021 EPISCOPAL JOURNAL G
Episcopal churches step up efforts to go solar soLar continued from page F in Columbus and a member of the dio-
cese’s Christian Care and Environmental
Grace St. Paul’s installed solar panels
five years ago through a PPA with Techni-
to reach net-zero carbon emissions goals on the cathedral’s solar team. “By com-
ing together and doing it at the diocesan
Justice Task Force. While there is some
resistance to transitioning to solar energy
cians for Sustainability. Without that part-
nership, the parish couldn’t have afforded
level, we can just cut into that problem — particularly because coal mining is still to install the panels, Keplinger said.
By tony Gutiérrez quire action at every and bring resources to them in a way that a major industry in the region — most Other creation care measures imple-
Episcopal News Service level, and the church works for them.” people are receptive, he said. mented on the campus include using eco-
Catherine Duffy, a postulant in the
W
can speak with an even “Now is the time. People are ready. friendly lightbulbs, maintaining a vegetable
hen it came time to bless the stronger moral voice if it Diocese of Southern Ohio, noted that Five to seven years ago, we had this garden to support a food pantry and in-
solar panels at the Church of puts into action.” people who grew up learning about cli- strange conversation about whether we stalling insulated windows. Currently, the
St. Martin in Davis, Calif., Nationwide, church- mate change, like she did, can now create believed in climate change or not,” said solar panels are producing approximately
last April, Northern Califor- es’ interest in convert- change. Foster. “We have these events like Hurri- 80% of the electricity the church uses.
nia Bishop Megan Traquair had to impro- ing to solar energy has “We have all been talking about this cane Sandy. We have the event that Texas “We don’t have any real financial ad-
vise — the Book of Common Prayer, so increased over the past since we were kids, and it’s just taken that just experienced, which … most likely is vantage for using solar panels now, and we
far, doesn’t include a solar panel blessing. several years, Susan Ste- much time to move our culture to the place related to climate change.” won’t for 15 years down the road,” said
After reading an abridged version of “A phenson, executive di- where enough people want to act on it,” The Rev. Steve Keplinger, rector of Keplinger. “We thought it was important
Song of Creation” from the Morning Prayer rector of Interfaith Power said Duffy, a board member for the Center Grace St. Paul’s in Tucson, Ariz., has spent to do whether we had the money or not.”
II lessons, Traquair stood on a scissor lift, & Light, told ENS. The for Religion and Environment at the Uni- the last 10 years preaching the intercon- The Rev. Pam Hyde, the first canon for
sprinkled the panels with holy water, and organization, of which versity of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., and nectedness of humanity and the natural creation care in the Diocese of Arizona, is
prayed “that they may continue to capture St. Martin’s is a member, Photo/Diocese of Northern California
Christian care convener for Province V. world during the “Season of Creation,” working to establish a collective PPA in
the light of God’s beautiful creation, the was founded in 1998 at Northern California Bishop Megan Traquair stands on “We’re not the Sierra Club. We are which has been added to the parish’s li- the diocese.
thumb that he placed above us, and that its Grace Cathedral in San a scissor lift to bless recently installed solar panels at the the church. We do what we do because turgical calendar. It begins on the Sunday “As I began talking to parishes around
energy may go to help support the life of Francisco, as a coalition Episcopal Church of St. Martin in Davis, Calif. we follow Jesus, and that’s something nearest the Oct. 4 Feast of St. Francis of the diocese, a lot of them were asking me
those that he has placed here in this com- of Episcopal churches we need to keep repeating,” she added. Assisi and goes through just before the how do they switch to solar energy,” Hyde
munity, in this country and in this world.” aggregated to purchase renewable energy. Panel installation at St. Luke’s was “We’re not just called just to action; we’re First Sunday of Advent. said. “The churches are understanding
Episcopalians and other people of Over the years, it has expanded na- completed at the end of last year. The called to formation.” “The entire liturgy is based on prayers this is something we do because we have
faith have increasingly become aware of tionwide and now includes other faith panels’ visibility provides a “clear expres- Through its “Solarize Ohio” initiative, and liturgical pieces that all talk about a responsibility to take care of God’s cre-
climate change and its effects, particularly partners. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in sion of our values,” he said. God’s plan for the Diocese of Southern Ohio is working how we’re connected to nature and what ation.” n
in places like California where wildfires Weston, Mass., is one church joining the salvation takes place through the created with 14 parishes to introduce solar energy that relationship looks like,” Keplinger
burn millions of acres annually and force interfaith movement on the East Coast. material world, he added, noting that the to their campuses, said the Rev. Craig Fos- said, adding that he continues to use the Tony Gutiérrez is a freelance journalist
residents to evacuate. On June 15, faith leaders from across “heavenly Jerusalem” referred to in the ter, a deacon at Trinity Episcopal Church Gospel from the lectionary. based in Cave Creek, Ariz.
“There’s a justice aspect to our care for the U.S., including Episcopalian Susan Book of Revelation will be on Earth.
creation, making sure the benefits of our Stephenson, called on Congress to act on “To me it’s pretty straightforward
your
Build a
creation care are available to all. Some climate, justice and jobs. Christianity,” Matthewson said. “People
people grow food in their own gardens “Over decades, religious leaders have have different political views around how
Better Community
to take to the food bank to care for the been recognizing the threat to our environ- one cares for the world — and many of
poor,” Traquair told Episcopal News Ser- ment posed by climate change, the moral those are reasonable and important de-
vice. “All of these are ways to care for cre- cause that it is and the spiritual elements bates — but that we should care for and
ation and to love our neighbor.” of this relationship that we have with our steward the world I hope isn’t really up for
St. Martin’s began in 2002 to eliminate environment,” Stephenson said. “I think debate, at least not for churches and theol-
excess waste and protect the environment, it’s a wonderful thing to see it building and ogies that take seriously the Incarnation.”
said Nick Buxton, a vestry member and manifesting itself in churches going solar.” St. Luke’s was able to convert to solar
primary coordinator for the solar project. She noted the growing effort among energy thanks to a partnership initiated
The church began by replacing worn- dioceses to pool resources together, recall- by the Diocese of San Diego. In 2018,
out items with eco-friendly alternatives, ing California Bishop Marc Andrus’ chal- churches asked the diocesan property And, it’s free to use!
and in 2018, the congregation decided to lenge to all California dioceses to transi- committee about implementing solar
be more proactive and began converting tion to solar energy. energy, said Erika Morgan, the diocese’s
utilities that had previously been pow- The Rev. Colin Mathewson, co-vicar of clean energy consultant and a member of Grab a nice cup of cooee and get started today.
www.thearda.com/demographicmap
ered by other sources, such as gas stoves St. Luke’s Church in San Diego, with his St. Paul’s Cathedral, also in San Diego.
or furnaces, to electric. By making sure wife, the Rev. Laurel Mathewson, described Individual churches may not be able to
everything was powered by electricity — solar energy as a “unicorn” because it can be afford solar panels, but by entering into a
which is sourced from solar energy — St. promoted from multiple perspectives. diocesan collective power purchase agree-
Martin’s was able to become a zero-carbon From a “conservative, financial risk ment, or PPA, parishes can afford them,
campus, meaning it doesn’t give off any management perspective,” solar energy she said.
carbon emissions. saves money; from a scientific perspective, The bigger companies don’t consider The Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA), founded in 1997, strives to democratize access to the best data on religion.
“By doing it on the church property, “it is wonderful for the environment”; churches to be credit-worthy places. The The targeted audience and the data collection have both greatly expanded since 1998, now including American and
you’re modeling what can be done,” Bux- and, from a Christian perspective, it’s “a faith community has had a very difficult international collections and developing features for educators, journalists, religious congregations, and researchers.
ton said. “We know the climate crisis is wonderful way to express and honor God. time receiving the attention of the solar Data included in the ARDA are submitted by the foremost religion scholars and research centers in the world.
one of the biggest environmental crises It’s our own form of praise and worship to industry,” said Morgan, who also serves
humanity has faced and is going to re- care for the earth in this way.” continued on page GYou can also read
