Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger | Diocese of Tucson website

In a display of unity and solidarity, Christian bishops and leaders from the Southwest gathered at St. Apkar Armenian Apostolic Church in Scottsdale for an ecumenical observance marking the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The event brought together leaders from different Christian denominations, including Bishop John P. Dolan of the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger of the Catholic Diocese of Tucson, and the Rev. Deborah K. Hutterer, bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

During the service, Bishop Dolan emphasized the importance of prayer and dialogue in the pursuit of Christian unity. He stated, "Prayer and dialogue are essential in our Christian enterprise, as it helps us to be about communion, even if our communion is imperfect."

The theme of the service, "You shall love the Lord your God ... and your neighbor as yourself" (Lk 10:27), was taken from Jesus Christ's parable of the good Samaritan. This parable served as a reminder that life is a pilgrimage and that Christians are called to embrace their faith in action. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian of the Armenian Apostolic Church's Western Diocese highlighted this message, stating, "We are entrusted a sacred mission as servants of Christ -- all of us with clergy and laity -- to become the eyes and hands of Christ our Lord in the life of our respective communities."

Archbishop Derderian also spoke about the importance of dialogue and unity within the Church, quoting the late Vazgen I, Catholicos of All Armenians, who said, "We earnestly long to witness the unity of the church, recognizing its oneness in Christ and his sacred word. Engaging in real dialogue with the world, we open ourselves to it, all the while preserving our distinct identity."

The ecumenical service emphasized the significance of relationships and friendship in fostering Christian unity. Bishop Weisenburger emphasized the importance of recognizing Christ in others and establishing bonds of friendship, stating, "Unity is built upon relationships along with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Establishing the bonds of friendship, which includes deep listening and recognizing Christ in the other person, is the surest path to true Christian unity."

The service concluded with a symbolic gesture as each church leader added incense to the thurible. The Rev. Carlo A. Rapanut, a bishop in the Desert Southwest Conference of the United Methodist Church, reflected on the meaning of this act, stating, "It made me reflect on how might we, as the Christian church united, become a fragrant offering to the people around us."

The ecumenical service served as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and collaboration among Christian leaders. As the Rev. Deborah K. Hutterer expressed, "In a world that is so filled with divisiveness but also fearful of each other, to gather together tonight and know that we're praying for unity, that's very moving for me."

The call to be "the eyes and hands of Christ" resonated throughout the service, reminding Christian leaders of their sacred mission to serve their communities and bring the love of Christ to those in need. As Archbishop Derderian declared, "It is a call that we need to respond courageously with a firm faith in Christ our Lord, always with a renewed commitment to share the word of God, enlightening the hearts and souls of the members of our communities, thus making God ever present."

The ecumenical service in Scottsdale served as a powerful testament to the unity and common purpose of Christian leaders in the Southwest. Through prayer, dialogue, and a shared commitment to serving others, these leaders are working towards a more unified and compassionate Church.