From 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.
Read MoreJoin the Arizona Faith Network on December 9 for a morning of inspiration with keynote speaker Rev. Eugene Cho at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. This year’s theme, Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Peacemakers in Action, calls us to confront injustice and foster reconciliation. Registration closes December 6.
Explore other opportunities this month, including an Interfaith New Year’s Celebration, a Blue Christmas service, and a powerful series with Rev. Dr. Gary Mason on peacemaking in divided times. Learn more and register for these transformative events at Arizona Faith Network Newsletter.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for The Rev. Philip A. Shaw and the people of St. John’s Episcopal Lutheran Church in Williams, part of the High Country Conference.
Read MoreJoin the Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering on December 9 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ, or online. Under the theme Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Peacemakers in Action, Rev. Eugene Cho, President of Bread for the World, will guide attendees in addressing the root causes of conflict and injustice in today’s world. Faith communities are invited to register now, as spots are filling quickly. For faith-based organizations, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities offer a valuable platform to connect.
Read MoreJoin churches in Chandler and Mesa for “Anticipation, Hope & Peace: Advent Lessons and Carols” on December 8 at 5:00 PM at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Chandler. This collaborative service, uniting Lutheran and Episcopal congregations, offers an evening of scripture, music, and reflection. All are welcome to experience the Advent season through both traditions, celebrating the hope and peace that unite us.
Read MoreJoin the Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering on December 9 at the Franciscan Renewal Center for a morning of connection and inspiration, featuring keynote speaker Rev. Eugene Cho. Don’t miss weekly guided meditations, an urgent call to protect the sacred Great Bend of the Gila, and the 6th Annual Turkish Festival on December 7-8 in Chandler. Plus, support Arizona Jews for Justice’s Winter Clothing Drive to aid the unsheltered community. Explore these events and more in the full AFN Newsletter.
Read MoreArabic-speaking Christians in the ELCA and The Episcopal Church now have liturgical resources that honor their language and culture. From seasonal bulletins to rites for baptisms, marriages, and funerals, these translations empower communities to worship in their heart language, deepening their connection to faith. Learn more about how this work fosters unity and belonging in the Church at ELCA.org.
Read MoreAs election results come in, Arizona Faith Network remains steadfast in our mission to bring people of faith together for the common good. Our commitment to building bridges and breaking down barriers endures beyond any single election outcome. We recognize that this moment may stir many emotions within our communities. Yet, our purpose remains clear: to unite, bringing people of faith together to organize and act in the pursuit of justice. Together, we will continue to face challenges with resilience and hope, strengthening our shared commitment to a more just and compassionate world. Read more in the latest Arizona Faith Network's newsletter.
Read MoreNovember is Native American Heritage Month—a time for learning, honoring, and reflecting on the rich contributions of Indigenous communities. This month, ELCA’s Racial Justice Ministries is spotlighting events that call us toward truth and healing. Join online discussions on church accountability for Indian boarding schools, reflect on Vine Deloria Jr.’s work at the Theological Symposium, and, for those able, participate in the National Day of Mourning in Plymouth, Mass., to stand with Indigenous communities. Learn more about how we can walk together toward justice and understanding.
Read MoreMarking the 25th anniversary of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, we celebrate a milestone of unity between Lutherans and Catholics. This historic agreement, signed on October 31, 1999, resolved centuries-old theological differences on justification by faith, laying a foundation for ongoing dialogue and cooperation. Today, as we reflect on the fruits of this partnership, we give thanks for God’s grace and look forward to the journey ahead, with the 60th anniversary of U.S. Lutheran-Catholic dialogue on the horizon.
Read MoreJoin us on Saturday, November 9th, at North Scottsdale United Methodist Church for “Intersections of Grace,” an event exploring the shared history of Methodist and Lutheran traditions. Led by Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes, this event offers both a 9:30 a.m. brunch and a 1:00 p.m. tea. Engage in meaningful conversations about our common roots and distinctive gifts. Registration is open now! View a PDF flyer here.
Read MoreAttend one of a special series of talks from Palestinian Christian human rights lawyer Jonathan Kuttab in Phoenix, Nov. 7-9. Kuttab, co-founder of Al Haq and Executive Director of FOSNA, will discuss “The U.S., Palestine, Israel, and Human Rights.” Each day will feature a different location with presentations centered on peace and justice in the Holy Land. Don’t miss this chance to engage with Kuttab’s faith-rooted perspective on nonviolent advocacy and human rights in a region critical to our faith and world.
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