Arizona Episcopal churches see surge of interest after D.C. bishop's viral sermon

• She said Arizona churches have seen increased attendance at services the past two Sundays, with newcomers citing the Washington bishop as their motivation to explore the religion.

Catch up quick: During the prayer service on Jan. 21, Bishop Mariann Budde implored Trump, who was in attendance, to "have mercy" for undocumented immigrants and LGBTQ+ people.

• Trump demanded an apology, saying, "She is not very good at her job!"

The intrigue: Reddall said there was something about the mercy and compassion Budde implored that "spoke deeply to [the] hearts" of newly interested parishioners.

• "People who were curious," she said. "They were saying, 'I don't go to church, but I'd go to church if this is what I heard.'"

Zoom in: Reddall told Axios she shares many of the concerns Budde raised about the treatment of immigrants and transgender people under the new administration.

• She said Episcopal church leaders are getting a "crash course in immigration law" to understand how to handle the new ICE policy allowing agents to conduct enforcement in "sensitive places."
• They're also partnering with social service groups to provide assistance to vulnerable worshipers.

The bottom line: "The fear that people who live in those communities have is genuine and real. Part of our ministry as churches is to respond to those in peril," Reddall said. "How do I, as a shepherd, do what I can to protect my flock?"