Bishop Richard J. Malone (left) of the Catholic Diocese and Bishop R. William Franklin of the Episcopal Diocese been working together since 2014. (Patrick McPartland/Staff Photographer)

Bishop Richard J. Malone and Bishop R. William Franklin will receive the Award for Ecumenical Leadership from the New York State Council of Churches honoring leaders who have distinguished themselves in areas of ministry which are consistent with the mission of the council.

This first-time award is the beginning a new tradition of the New York State Council of Churches to honor leaders.

Peter Cook, executive director of the New York State Council of Churches, said the award is in recognition of Bishop Malone's and Bishop Franklin's willingness to reach across denominational lines to seek the well being of the people of Buffalo.

The award recognizes the two religious leaders for their ability to work with Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and other public officials to do things for the city.

The award cites the leadership of the two men for both as a living example of the relevance and power of the ecumenical movement.

The Award for Ecumenical Leadership will be made at the annual luncheon and fundraiser for the New York State Council of Churches on Thursday, May 12, at the First Lutheran Church in Albany.