Detroit -- Religious leaders throughout the metropolitan Detroit area look forward to building and deepening their faith relationship with Archbishop Allen Vigneron, and wish him support in his endeavors.
Victor Ghalib Begg, chair of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan, met Archbishop Vigneron years ago when they were members of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, known today as the Michigan Round Table for Diversity & Inclusion.
“I look forward to getting to know Archbishop Allen Vigneron better, but I understand that he is a very spiritual man and very friendly,” Begg says. “I believe in Archbishop Vigneron we have an ecumenical leader. We need such a man, particularly in these trying times when there is much religious discord and rise of fundamentalism in all faiths around the globe and in Detroit's segregated community.”
He said he believes Archbishop Vigneron will help to continue to improve relationships among the two faith communities. “Detroit has been part of the Midwest Muslim-Catholic dialog for a decade. With the presence of leadership like that of Archbishop Vigneron, forums like these will only get better, we pray.”
Good leadership is key in today’s challenging times, he continues. “This is a challenging world we live in. They are challenging times and it's important that we have good leadership. It will definitely be a challenge just like it will be a challenge for our new president.”
As interim bishop in the Southeast Michigan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in Detroit, Bishop Kenneth Olsen of the Southeast Michigan Synod says he has a keen sense of the challenges and joys ahead for Archbishop Vigneron.
"My hope is that Archbishop Vigneron will allow himself the time for study, reflection and prayer in what always seems to be a schedule that is determined by the issues around him,” Bishop Olsen says. “The biggest comfort for me was knowing that the people of the synod were always holding us up in prayer whenever they gathered to celebrate their oneness with Jesus Christ. Peace and joy be with Archbishop Vigneron in your new role.”
Fr. Garabed Kochakian says the relationship between the Armenian and Catholic faith communities will continue to grow and thrive under Archbishop Vigneron’s leadership.
“We are so pleased to hear of the (appointment) of Archbishop Vigneron to succeed Cardinal Maida, who has been a dedicated servant of the Lord and shepherd of his people for many years here in Detroit,” says Fr. Kochakian, pastor of St. John Armenian Church in Southfield.
“We are certain that under the new shepherd, Archbishop Vigneron, our bonds of fellowship and good works in the name of Christ will not only continue, but grow in strength and unity of purpose,” he says. “Archbishop Allen brings to the table great experience and energies that will no doubt affirm the work of the past and build upon for the Orthodox and Catholic faithful as well as communities of other faiths.
“On behalf of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America and the Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, I offer our prayers to His Excellency Archbishop Allen Vigneron for a long and fruitful ministry.”
His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit echoes Fr. Kochakian's sentiments and also prays that that two faith communities continue to move further “for the glory of God and the advancement of His Church.”
“Having had the opportunity to work with Archbishop Vigneron during his previous tenure here as an auxiliary bishop to Cardinal Maida, we are confident that his commitment to the Church of Christ will provide the basis for decisive leadership in this region as we face increasing difficulties which test the patience and trust of our people in God's sovereign power and authority in our lives.
“We are also certain that Archbishop Vigneron's personal knowledge of this archdiocese and its people, coupled with his love for the Gospel of Christ, will prove to be the unshakable cornerstone of his new apostolic ministry.”
He says he is grateful for the opportunity to renew his collegial relationship with Archbishop Vigneron. “We are confident that the fraternal ties of mutual respect and close cooperation that we share will support an ever greater expansion of shared ministry and archpastoral care for the people of this great city.
“I believe that Archbishop Vigneron will faithfully proclaim the message of hope as our Christian inheritance, and that he will also succeed in fostering inter-Christian unity and solidarity through the challenges that lie ahead.”
Rabbi Joseph H. Krakoff of Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, also extended his congratulations to Archbishop Vigneron. “Not only is this a momentous occasion in the Catholic Church, but as a rabbi, I look forward to the opportunity under the archbishop’s esteemed leadership to deepen our relationship with one another as children of God.
“In this chaotic universe of ours, there is often tremendous misunderstanding and confusion that can lead to unfounded violence among those who are equally created in the image of God,” Rabbi Krakoff adds. “If we only stopped and took the time to truly get to know one another, the world would no doubt be a much more holy place.
“To this end, I enthusiastically anticipate working together to further break down the artificial boundaries between us as we seek to better understand each other, while honestly recognizing and respecting our differences and celebrating our similarities.”
