Ciscomani Hosts Local Faith Leaders to Discuss Strengthening Our Communities

Oro Valley, AZ - U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani hosted pastors and faith leaders from across Arizona's Sixth Congressional District, along with their spouses, for a roundtable discussion about the challenges facing their congregations and to explore ways Congress can better support faith-based organizations serving Arizona families.

The discussion focused on strengthening communities through faith-based partnerships, expanding access to affordable housing, improving public safety, and ensuring families feel secure in their places of worship.

"I was honored to welcome pastors and faith leaders from across Arizona's Sixth District for an important conversation about their organizations and its needs," said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. "Faith-based organizations are often the first to answer the call, providing food, shelter, counseling, and hope to those who need it most. As Arizona's only appropriator in Congress, I will continue fighting for policies and investments that empower these organizations, strengthen public safety, protect places of worship, and ensure they have the resources to continue their indispensable mission."

As Arizona's only member of the House or Senate serving on the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Ciscomani has championed investments that empower faith-based organizations to better serve their communities. During U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner's recent visit to Arizona's Sixth District, Rep. Ciscomani reaffirmed his strong support for HUD's Center for Faith, which partners with faith-based organizations to expand affordable housing opportunities and strengthen local communities.

Faith-based organizations play a vital role in addressing housing needs by partnering with HUD through the Center for Faith. These partnerships help support affordable housing, shelters, community development projects, and the redevelopment of underutilized church property to better serve local families.

The conversation, which took place at Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene, also highlighted the importance of protecting houses of worship and ensuring faith-based organizations have the resources they need to keep their congregations safe. As part of this year's appropriations process, Rep. Ciscomani successfully championed increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which helps nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks strengthen physical security through infrastructure improvements, security enhancements, and emergency preparedness. The program also fosters greater coordination between nonprofit organizations and state and local agencies to safeguard communities and better protect places of worship.

"We are grateful to Congressman Ciscomani for bringing faith leaders together and creating an opportunity for meaningful dialogue on the issues that matter most to our congregations and communities," said Pastor Eli Moreno. "The Congressman's willingness to listen and work alongside local pastors reflects a genuine commitment to strengthening families, supporting faith-based organizations, and advancing solutions that will have a lasting impact across Southern Arizona."

"Faith communities are uniquely positioned to meet people where they are, offering compassion, hope, and practical support during life's most difficult moments," said Pastor Craig Coulter. "We truly appreciate Congressman Ciscomani's leadership in recognizing the vital role churches play in strengthening our communities and his commitment to protecting religious liberty, enhancing the safety of our places of worship, and partnering with those who serve others every day."

Participants at the roundtable included:

• Pastor Craig Coulter and Pastor Shaun McClellan, Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene
• Pastor Peter Martin, Calvary Marana
• Pastor Pat McClanahan and Pastor Scott Webster, Fellowship Bible Church
• Pastor Sam Gyorfi, Grace Community Covenant Church
• Pastor Fernando Gonzalez, Pastor Eli Moreno, and wife Fransena Moreno, Maranatha Ministries
• Pastor Brent Armstrong, Tucson Baptist Church
• Pastor Gilbert Garcia, Sun Life Chapel
• Pastor Rossana Ciscomani, Zion City
• Lisa Chastain and Bruce Beikman, Gospel Rescue Mission
• Dough Martin, Good News Communications
• Paul Parisi, Our America
• Mike Alameda, Corazon Ministries

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