Hope, Justice, and Heat Relief: This Week in Faith-Based Action
This week’s AFN newsletter is packed with opportunities to act, reflect, and pray. From welcoming the new pope to addressing the urgent realities of Arizona’s summer heat, we invite our synod to explore this vibrant roundup of faith-based news, events, and justice actions.
Welcoming Pope Leo XIV: Communities across the world, including ours, celebrate the historic election of Pope Leo XIV—the first U.S.-born pope—known for his justice-rooted leadership. AFN welcomes this new papacy with prayer and anticipation for strengthened interfaith partnerships.
Heat Relief Season Has Begun: Triple-digit temperatures are here. AFN’s network of cooling stations and relief efforts needs volunteers and donations—water, snacks, sun protection—to care for vulnerable neighbors. Sign up or donate at: www.arizonafaithnetwork.org/heatrelief
Upcoming Events:
Faith and Science from an Islamic Perspective (June 7, 12pm MST, Zoom)
Bolivian Young Quakers & Climate Change (June 11, 5pm MST, Zoom)
Monday Meditations with Bhikkhu Vasu Bandhu (Mondays, 12pm MST, Zoom)
Meeting the Moment: Interfaith on Immigration & Sanctuary (May 28, 11am MST, Zoom)
Roots of Injustice (May 31, 1pm MST, online)
Victory at Oak Flat: A federal judge has temporarily blocked the transfer of sacred Apache land to a foreign mining company. This moment of justice for Indigenous communities calls us to prayer, awareness, and continued advocacy. Follow Apache Stronghold and write to elected officials urging permanent protection.
Partner Highlights:
American Democracy Summit (May 14–16, Chandler, AZ – use code LOCAL-AZ for discount)
Justice Journey 5K Fun Run (May 18, Tempe)
AZIPL Film Screening Common Ground (May 18, Tucson)
Global Heat Action Day Webinar (June 2)
Free Prostate Cancer Screenings (June 14, Phoenix)
CAIR-AZ Outreach Internship (applications open)
Interfaith Holidays: Mark your calendar for the Declaration of the Báb (Baháʼí) on May 22–23.
To read more or subscribe, visit: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter
Let us continue to embody faith in action—in advocacy, worship, and community care.
