From Conflict to Community: News and Opportunities from AFN
Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter offers several ways for rostered ministers, lay leaders and congregations to build courageous unity, protect civic participation and uphold the dignity of our neighbors.
Registration is now open for AFN’s 2026 Annual Gathering on Tuesday, October 20. Under the theme “From Conflict to Community: Building Courageous Unity in a Time of Division,” the gathering will bring together faith and community leaders from across Arizona. The program includes keynote speaker the Rev. Dr. Gary Mason and a spoken-poetry offering from award-winning Tucson poet and former Tucson Poet Laureate TC Tolbert. Sponsorship opportunities ranging from $50 to $1,000 and above are also available.
AFN is recruiting clergy and lay volunteers to serve as Poll Chaplains and Peacekeepers during the November general election. No previous experience is required. Volunteers will receive training in de-escalation, voter protection, relevant election laws and appropriate responses to conflict or intimidation. One online training is required:
Monday, September 28, 4–5:30 p.m. Arizona time
Thursday, October 15, 4–5:30 p.m. Arizona time
Register at Turnout Sunday.
The newsletter also highlights upcoming online AFN gatherings:
Social Justice Commission: Thursday, September 3, 8:30–9:45 a.m. MST, exploring housing, eviction, reentry, economic opportunity and the role of faith communities.
Faithful Voter AZ Committee: Thursday, September 3, 2–3 p.m. MST, featuring efforts to encourage voting by mail.
Cherishing Creation Collaborative: Tuesday, September 8, 10–11:30 a.m. MST, featuring discussion of solar energy and heat resilience.
AFN Monday Meditation: Mondays at noon MST via Zoom.
This issue also includes partner news, an internship opportunity with Valley Beit Midrash and a guide to upcoming interfaith observances.
For Lutherans, ecumenical and interfaith cooperation is one way we live out our calling to seek peace, pursue justice and recognize God-given dignity in every neighbor. These opportunities invite us to accompany our communities with courage—not only in words, but through sustained public presence and service.
Visit the AFN newsletter page to read the newsletter, access registration links, view the full calendar and subscribe for future updates.
Read the full Arizona Faith Network newsletter for details:
