Register Now: AFN’s 2025 Annual Gathering, “United We Rise”
AFN Newsletter Highlights: Annual Gathering, Training, and Calls to Action
The Arizona Faith Network (AFN) invites all people of faith to connect, learn, and act together. Here are some highlights from their latest newsletter:
2025 Annual Gathering – Registration is now open for AFN’s Annual Gathering, “United We Rise,” on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The event will take place at the Baháʼí Faith Community Center in Scottsdale and will be offered in-person and online in both English and Spanish. The keynote speaker is Gen Kelsang Chenma, Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center Phoenix, who will share Buddhist wisdom on compassion and courage in the work for peace and justice. Register here.
AFN Monday Meditation – Each Monday at noon (MST), AFN offers a guided meditation via Zoom with Vasu Bandhu, AFN’s Interfaith Manager and a Buddhist monk, along with guest leaders.
Abuse in Later Life 101 Training – On Thursday, October 23, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM (MST) via Zoom, faith leaders can learn to recognize and respond to elder abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault in collaboration with the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) and Safe Havens.
LDS 101 – On Thursday, October 23, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors’ Center (also on Zoom), AFN will host an introduction to the history, teachings, and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, led by local members.
Calls to Action – Faith leaders are invited to:
Sign on to the Arizona Faith for Peace statement, denouncing political violence and promoting civic engagement.
Join the interfaith call urging protection of Arizona’s sacred lands, including Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni (Grand Canyon National Monument) and Ironwood Forest National Monument.
You can explore the full AFN newsletter, including more partner events such as Hiroshima & Nagasaki remembrance, nonviolent communication workshops, and faith-rooted organizing series, at:
👉 www.arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter
As Lutherans, we affirm that interfaith partnership is one way we live into Christ’s command to love our neighbors. We encourage congregations and leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod to connect with AFN’s offerings and join in prayer, learning, and action for peace and justice.
