Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter is packed with ways to engage! From key legislative advocacy actions (supporting affordable housing & opposing harmful immigration laws) to interfaith events and spiritual practices, there’s something for everyone. Plus, don’t miss the 3rd Annual Connection to Nature event or the Chi’chil Bi dagoteel Oak Flat March/Run. Read more & subscribe here: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter
Read MoreFaith calls us to action, and the Arizona Faith Network is offering meaningful opportunities to engage this February. From advocating for voting rights to gathering in prayer and celebrating creation care, there are events for all who seek to connect faith with justice. Plus, if you missed last week’s Know Your Rights and Congregational Safety training, slides and resources are now available. See upcoming events and ways to participate in Black History Month, interfaith gatherings, and more. Read the full AFN newsletter and get involved here.
Read MoreFrom Lutheran Day at the Legislature to Environmental Day at the Capitol, February is full of opportunities for advocacy, learning, and faith-based action. Engage in social justice, care for creation, and interfaith dialogue through key gatherings hosted by the Arizona Faith Network and partners. Find out how you can get involved in shaping a just world.
Read MoreReligious freedom is under threat. House Resolution 59 seeks to condemn a sermon given by Bishop Mariann Budde, setting a dangerous precedent for government interference in matters of faith. As Lutherans, we believe the church must remain free to speak truth to power. Take action today by urging your representative to oppose H.R. 59 and defend the right to preach without political retribution.
Read MoreFalse claims about Lutheran organizations and federal funding circulated on X on February 1, prompting a strong response from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. In a video statement, Bishop Eaton reaffirmed the ELCA’s commitment to truth and its long-standing mission of serving the vulnerable. Lutheran organizations have responsibly used federal grants for 85 years, and the ELCA calls on political leaders to reject misinformation and uphold integrity. Watch Bishop Eaton’s full response in our blog post.
Read MoreDiscover vital opportunities to advocate, learn, and take action through Arizona Faith Network’s February events. From immigration training for faith leaders (Feb. 6) to Lutheran Day at the Legislature (Feb. 10), Environmental Day at the Capitol (Feb. 12), and the 3rd Annual Connection to Nature (Feb. 22), these gatherings equip us to serve our communities faithfully. Plus, join weekly Monday Meditation sessions and find ways to support California wildfire relief efforts. Read more and sign up at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
Read MoreLas comunidades de fe enfrentan desafíos urgentes con la implementación de nuevas políticas migratorias. Se invita al clero y a los líderes religiosos a una Capacitación de Respuesta Rápida el jueves 6 de febrero, de 6:30 a 8:00 PM MST vía Zoom. Aprenda sobre derechos legales, medidas de seguridad y esfuerzos de defensa. No pierda esta oportunidad crucial de actuar juntos en fe. Regístrese en bit.ly/azrapidresponse.
Faith communities are facing urgent challenges as new federal immigration policies take effect. Clergy and faith leaders are invited to a Rapid Response Training on Thursday, February 6th, from 6:30-8:00 PM MST via Zoom. This session will cover legal rights, congregational safety measures, and the latest advocacy efforts. Don’t miss this critical opportunity to stand together in faith and action. Register now at bit.ly/azrapidresponse.
Read MoreJoin the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona for Living Our Faith, a free virtual event on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. MST. Discover how Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions navigate mourning rituals and customs, with insights from Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, Pastor Judith Rainforth, and Imam Shahir Safi. Register now at www.isb-az.org/trifaith to participate in this inspiring evening of interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Read MoreThis week, join events like a conversation on peacemaking with Rev. Dr. Gary Mason, and advocacy opportunities like Environmental Day at the Capitol. Discover ways to deepen your faith and engage in justice. Learn more and register for events in the AFN newsletter.
Read MoreJoin the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona for Living Our Faith, a free virtual event on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. MST. Discover how Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions navigate mourning rituals and customs, with insights from Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, Pastor Judith Rainforth, and Imam Shahir Safi. Register now at www.isb-az.org/trifaith to participate in this inspiring evening of interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Read MoreOn Martin Luther King Day, faith leaders from Nevada, including Bishop Deborah Hutterer, called on political leaders to support humane immigration reform. Their published letters emphasize justice, compassion, and dignity for immigrants. Read the full messages and learn how you can support their advocacy efforts.
En el Día de Martin Luther King, líderes religiosos de Nevada, incluida la Obispa Deborah Hutterer, llamaron a los líderes políticos a apoyar una reforma migratoria humana. Sus cartas publicadas destacan la justicia, la compasión y la dignidad para los inmigrantes. Lea los mensajes completos y descubra cómo apoyar sus esfuerzos de abogacía.
Read MoreFrom prayer and peacemaking to environmental advocacy and disaster relief, January and February are full of opportunities to live out our faith. Don’t miss the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Jan 23), Rev. Dr. Gary Mason’s events on reconciliation, Environmental Day at the Capitol (Feb 12), and MLK Day celebrations. Discover more and get involved through the Arizona Faith Network newsletter.
Read MoreJoin ELCA AMMPARO and Episcopal Migration Ministries on January 17, 2025, for an essential webinar equipping ministry leaders to support migrants and undocumented individuals. Featuring expert immigration lawyers, the session covers “Know Your Rights” guidance, navigating immigration steps, and preparing for ICE interactions. Register today for this free online event and learn how your ministry can make a difference.
Read MoreJoin us on January 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity! Hosted at the Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, this statewide ecumenical service will feature Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger and Grand Canyon Synod Bishop Deborah Hutterer. Gather with Christians of all traditions to reflect on John 11:26 and pray for unity. Learn more and help spread the word! Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 resources are available from the World Council of Churches here.
Read MoreJoin Arizona Faith Network’s events this month, including guided meditation, justice-focused webinars, and powerful lessons in peacemaking from Rev. Dr. Gary Mason. With topics like food security, creation care, and the Doctrine of Discovery, these events provide meaningful ways to live your faith. Read More.
Read MoreThe Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 invites churches worldwide to pray together for unity, inspired by John 11:17-27 and the theme, “Do you believe this?” Marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, this year’s reflections highlight shared faith through the Nicene Creed. Download the resources, prepared by the Bose monastic community, at oikoumene.org and join this global movement for Christian unity.
Read MoreEric Ridenour was sentenced to 36.5 years in prison for the arson that destroyed St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church in Douglas, Arizona. Bishop Jennifer Reddall expresses gratitude for the justice served and highlights the resilience of these congregations as they continue to rebuild and minister. Her statement reaffirms the church’s commitment to inclusivity, inspired by Jesus’ love for those on the margins, and trust in the healing power of God’s grace. The Grand Canyon Synod stands in prayerful solidarity with them during this season of healing.
Read MoreArizona’s Christian leaders have issued a powerful statement calling for immigration reform that upholds human dignity and family unity. They denounce unjust deportation practices, including raids on churches and other critical locations, and call on law enforcement to act with conscience. Grounded in Gospel values, the leaders urge us all to see the image of God in every human being and advocate for a fair and humane immigration system. Read the full statement to learn how our faith compels us to stand with the vulnerable.
Read MoreAFN would like to thank the many people who made the 2024 Annual Gathering a success. We'd especially like to thank the generous sponsors and exhibitors who made the event possible and enabled people to connect with many important organizations and resources.
If you weren't able to attend, here's a link to the Annual Gathering Program and here's a YouTube recording of the program portion of the event (here's a link starting at the beginning of the keynote address from Rev. Eugene Cho).
Read MoreGrand Canyon Synod representatives Pastor Jonathan Linman and Pastor Mari Larson attended the National Workshop on Christian Unity in Chicago, addressing topics like Christian Nationalism, mass deportations, and Lutheran-Catholic collaboration. Larson was honored for her leadership in LEIRN, and Linman shared a model for ecumenical reception developed for the Phoenix Lutheran-Catholic event. Read more about the workshop’s call to unity and action in divided times.
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