Interfaith celebration

On Wednesday, August 20, Fr Matthew represented Saint Philip’s and the Hills and the Episcopal Diocese at an “Interfaith Celebration of All Things Tucson” at St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Cathedral.

Fr Matthew joined clergy from all the major Christian denominations and many other faiths—Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Sikh—to commemorate 250 years since the founding of Tucson.

It was an evening of music, personal testimony, and prayer, that culminated in a rousing rendition of “Lift every voice and sing” led by the choir of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.

As per Fr Matthew,

“This was a really wonderful occasion to meet some of our partners in ministry in Tucson, and hear about all the good work they are doing in service to the people of this city. It was especially nice to meet Bishop Gerald Kicanas—a longtime friend of our parish and diocese—and to hear him preach.

Bishop Kicanas’s sermon reminded us that for centuries before the Presidio was founded, this land was home to the Yaqui and Oʼodham people, whose descendants are still an important part of this community today. His words—and those of many other faith leaders—were a sobering reminder of the injustices of the past, but also an exhortation to service and reconciliation today, and in the years ahead. My thanks to Dcn Brigid Waszczak for inviting me to take part!”

Fr Matthew joined eight other clergy in reading a litany of prayers. He led the prayer traditionally attributed to St Francis (“Lord, make us instruments of your peace…”)