Protecting Our Neighbors, Deepening Our Faith: AFN’s August Updates
Each Wednesday, Arizona Faith Network shares news and events that bring together people of faith across traditions to engage justice, compassion, and interfaith cooperation throughout our state. This week’s newsletter is full of ways to connect—whether through prayer, advocacy, service, or study.
Key Events This Month:
Social Justice Commission meets Thursday, August 7 at 8:30am MST. Hear updates from Rev. Katie Sexton on heat relief efforts, and an introduction to the new Safe Communities Coalition from Paul Rockower. RSVP here.
Cherishing Creation Collaborative gathers Tuesday, August 12 at 10:00am MST. RSVP here.
Interfaith Book Study: The Tears of Things by Richard Rohr begins Wednesday, August 20 and runs for five weeks at 6:30pm MST. Engage prophetic wisdom and explore healing practices with voices across traditions. RSVP here.
Faith and Science from an Islamic Perspective (Part 2) returns Saturday, August 16 at 12:00pm MST. Explore the deep connection between inquiry and spirituality with Kashif Naser. RSVP here.
Interfaith Awareness Week presentation by AFN staff takes place Thursday, August 14 at 4:00pm MST. Join 40 interfaith Zoom sessions over 7 days! View full schedule and RSVP.
Monday Meditation continues weekly at noon MST with guided interfaith practice led by AFN’s Interfaith Manager Vasu Bandhu.
Featured News:
AFN Launches the Safe Communities Coalition: In response to rising hate crimes, AFN is co-leading a bold new initiative to protect vulnerable communities through outreach, training, and rapid response. With support from the Vitalyst Health Foundation, Paul Rockower has been named inaugural director. Read more and donate here.
Extreme Heat Relief: An extreme heat warning remains in effect. Please support heat respite centers by donating funds or shipping supplies via the Phoenix or Tucson Amazon Wish Lists.
Partner Highlights:
Tucson Heat Relief Canvassing: Volunteers needed August 8 and August 29 to distribute kits in Ward 5 and Ward 1.
“Pause for Peace” Concert & Retreat with William Campbell: August 15–16 in Tucson. Free concert and reflective retreat at St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church.
Labor in the Pulpit 2025: Congregations are invited to host labor leaders as guest speakers August 22–September 7.
URI Multiregion Internship Applications (ages 18–25) due August 13. This 3-month, remote interfaith peacebuilding program offers mentorship and international experience.
Connect a Senior Center to a New Service Project: Arizona Jews for Justice invites referrals for a hands-on volunteer initiative at local senior centers.
Stay Connected:
View the full AFN newsletter at www.arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter. Share the link with a friend or subscribe directly here.