CASPER (AP) — On a Sunday in September, morning light drifted through stained glass as churchgoers in Rock Springs raised their eyes to God.

In Basin, a congregation joined voices to sing an opening hymn. In Thermopolis, they bowed their heads, opened their hearts and asked for mercy.

Then the prayers — recited in each of those Episcopalian churches — became specific.

“God of Mercy, hea...