Monthly vigils

By The Rt Rev’d Jennifer A. Reddall, sixth bishop of Arizona

Election news dominates almost every headline; election ads intersperse most TV programs, our social media feeds brim with opinions, quotes, and opportunities for involvement. Passions and tensions are high—sometimes for very good reasons. I feel in myself a mix of hope, fear, anxiety, and exhaustion. It’s possible that you feel some of those emotions, too. 

Participation in the democratic process by voting, volunteering, serving, or advocating is one way of loving our neighbors. I know that several of our churches have been hosting events involving conversation across the political divide, or educating members about ballot issues that have theological foundations, or offering opportunities to assist by helping people get to the polls on Election Day.  

My judicatory colleagues and I meet for dinner every few months and share our ministry and stories. In our conversations about how each of our denominations is approaching the election, we decided that we want to come together to pray, once per month, for our nation, for this election, and for peace, and we invite members of all our congregations to join us.

Faith over fear
4:45pm on September 9
Our Lady of the Angels Conventual Church – Franciscan Renewal Center
5802 E. Lincoln Drive
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Harden not our hearts
6:00pm on October 14
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church
1200 N. Campbell Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85719

Loving our neighbor
12:00pm on November 3
Sun City Christian Church
9745 Palmeras Drive
Sun City, AZ 85373

My colleagues are from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; the United Methodist Church; the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix; the Disciples Church; the United Church of Christ; and the Presbyterian Church. The seven of us do not agree on every political issue or every theological issue. But we have found joy and friendship in our common faith and similar roles—learning from our differences and practicing curiosity about how we understand Jesus differently. 

We want to witness that Christians who disagree can come together to pray. We want to witness that Jesus loves all people, not just those who are like us. We want to witness that Jesus leads us to actions of peace-building rather than violence.  

I invite you to join us in this witness.