Bishop Richard J. Malone (from left) and Bishop R. William Franklin received an award from New York State Council of Churches Executive Director Peter Cook Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Vicki Zust)

The New York State Council of Churches honored Bishop Richard J. Malone, bishop of Buffalo, and Bishop R. William Franklin, bishop of Buffalo's Episcopal Diocese for their willingness to reach across denominational lines.

"In an era where we experience a retreat from the ecumenical movement, we are more emboldened than ever ecumenically," said Reverend Peter Cook, Executive Director of the NY State Council of Churches,  a collaboration of Christian denominations which strives toward justice for the poor and disenfranchised. "The leadership both of you offer is a living example of the relevance and power of the ecumenical movement."

Bishops Malone and Franklin traveled to Albany Thursday to receive the Council of Churches' first ever Ecumenical Leadership Award, acknowledging how the leaders of the two dioceses worked together on a series of discussions and joint letters to their congregations addressing issues affecting the Buffalo area, and challenging the faithful in specific ways they can affect change.

"In their work together they give an example that is in contrast to the political, religious and social divisions of our current climate," said The Ven. William Parnell, NYSCOC President. "They show us the power of ecumenism in our world today."