Prayer, Justice, and Community: What’s Coming Up from Arizona Faith Network

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter highlights opportunities for prayer, advocacy, and interfaith connection across Arizona—from the Statewide Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on January 22 in Phoenix, to Environmental Day at the Capitol on February 11, along with ongoing meditation, youth interfaith events, justice vigils, and spiritual retreats.

Get dates, locations, RSVP links, and the full calendar by reading the complete AFN newsletter at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 22, 2026Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment

This Week with Arizona Faith Network: Meditation, Democracy, Unity, and MLK Events Across Arizona

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter is now available, featuring upcoming opportunities for prayer, learning, and public engagement across Arizona. Highlights include weekly Monday Meditation, online conversations on democracy and voting rights, an interfaith exploration of faith and science from an Islamic perspective, the statewide Week of Prayer for Christian Unity service in Phoenix, and links to MLK Day events across the state.

The newsletter also includes partner events, interfaith observances, and ways to stay connected with AFN’s ongoing work. We encourage congregational leaders and lay members throughout the Grand Canyon Synod to read the newsletter in full, share it with others, and subscribe for weekly updates.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 15, 2026Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment

Praying Together for Christian Unity: Join the 2026 Statewide Service

Christians from across Arizona are invited to gather for the 2026 Statewide Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on Thursday, January 22, at 6:30 PM at Historic Tanner Chapel AME Church in Phoenix. Hosted by The Rev’d Dr. Benjamin N. Thomas, Sr. and the Tanner Chapel congregation, this ecumenical service is part of a global observance prayed by churches worldwide.

Using worship materials prepared by the Armenian Apostolic Church, the service offers a powerful opportunity to pray for Christian unity, deepen relationships across traditions, and witness together to Christ’s reconciling love. All are welcome.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJanuary 14, 2026Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

Deacons Now Included in ELCA–Episcopal Clergy Exchange

Marking 25 years of full communion, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Episcopal Church have updated clergy exchange guidelines to include deacons. The revised document affirms mutual recognition of the diaconate and opens new possibilities for shared ministry and mission.

The guidelines clarify that exchange applies to nontransitional Episcopal deacons and celebrates growing collaboration for evangelism, service, and witness. Read more about the updated guidelines.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJanuary 13, 2026Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, The Episcopal ChurchComment

Praying Together for Christian Unity: Join the 2026 Statewide Service

Christians from across Arizona are invited to gather for the 2026 Statewide Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on Thursday, January 22, at 6:30 PM at Historic Tanner Chapel AME Church in Phoenix. Hosted by The Rev’d Dr. Benjamin N. Thomas, Sr. and the Tanner Chapel congregation, this ecumenical service is part of a global observance prayed by churches worldwide.

Using worship materials prepared by the Armenian Apostolic Church, the service offers a powerful opportunity to pray for Christian unity, deepen relationships across traditions, and witness together to Christ’s reconciling love. All are welcome.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJanuary 5, 2026Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

Interfaith Action and Reflection: What’s New from Arizona Faith Network

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter features interfaith gatherings, educational events, meditations, partner actions, and seasonal opportunities for service across Arizona. From peace-focused worship to justice-centered advocacy, there are many ways to engage. Explore the full newsletter and stay connected.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardDecember 18, 2025Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment

From Lament to Action: Bishop Curry on Gun Violence and Advent Hope

Following a deadly shooting at Brown University that claimed two lives and injured many others, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry calls the church to prayer, lament, and faithful public action. The statement names gun violence as a symptom of deeper brokenness in our common life and rejects its normalization in U.S. society.

Drawing on the ELCA’s social message on gun violence, Bishop Curry urges evidence-based, life-saving measures alongside sustained advocacy and accompaniment. In this Advent season, the statement affirms that God meets us in suffering and calls the church to work for justice, compassion, and peace. Read the full statement and prayer from Bishop Curry.

Standing with Our Jewish Neighbors After the Bondi Beach Attack

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued a statement following a deadly terror attack on the Jewish community gathered for a Hanukkah menorah lighting at Bondi Beach in Australia. Writing on the Third Sunday of Advent, Bishop Curry condemns antisemitism, reaffirms the ELCA’s commitment to opposing anti-Jewish hatred, and calls the church to concrete acts of solidarity, love, and peace with our Jewish neighbors.

Grounded in God’s irrevocable covenant and the hope of Advent, the statement invites prayer and faithful action as an antidote to fear and violence. Read the full statement and prayer from Bishop Curry.

AFN News: December Gatherings, Interfaith Events, and Climate Justice Actions

The latest AFN newsletter highlights December and January interfaith events, including ecology workshops, clergy gatherings, Monday meditations, and the upcoming Midwinter Peace Gathering. It also features climate-justice sign-on opportunities for faith leaders, Giving Machine charity sites, and partner news from across Arizona’s interfaith community.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardDecember 11, 2025Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment

AFN Weekly Update: Annual Gathering Nears, Interfaith Events Ahead

AFN shares a full lineup of upcoming events, including the 2025 Annual Gathering (Dec. 2), interfaith Thanksgiving services, prayer walks, ecology workshops, and the “No Amazon for Advent” campaign. Learn more and view all events and advocacy actions in the full AFN newsletter at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 20, 2025Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment

United We Rise: Join the 2025 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering

Join faith and community leaders at the 2025 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 9 AM–12 PM at the Bahá’í Center in Scottsdale. The morning features guest speaker Gen Kelsang Chenma and honors the 2025 Arizona Leadership Awardees. Register at arizonafaithnetwork.org/annualgathering. A communications toolkit and graphics are available to support congregational sharing.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 18, 2025Arizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

Upcoming AFN Events Celebrate Unity, Justice, and Creation Care

Join people of faith across Arizona for AFN’s 2025 Annual Gathering—United We Rise on Dec. 2, honoring Rep. Patty Contreras for her leadership in unity and service. Explore more events including an interfaith Prayer Walk, Reconciliation Ecology Workshop, and the No Amazon for Advent pledge. Read the full newsletter at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNovember 13, 2025Arizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

United We Rise: Join the 2025 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering

Join faith and community leaders at the 2025 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 9 AM–12 PM at the Bahá’í Center in Scottsdale. The morning features guest speaker Gen Kelsang Chenma and honors the 2025 Arizona Leadership Awardees. Register at arizonafaithnetwork.org/annualgathering. A communications toolkit and graphics are available to support congregational sharing.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 11, 2025Arizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

Explore AFN’s Latest News, Events, and Mutual Aid Resources

Discover what’s happening across Arizona’s interfaith community in the latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter. Explore the new Faith & Mutual Aid Resource Guide, register for the 2025 Annual Gathering: United We Rise, and find upcoming events focused on justice, creation care, meditation, and interfaith collaboration. Subscribe or share today to help build Arizona’s network of care.

The issue also includes details for the 2025 AFN Annual Gathering, United We Rise, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, honoring Rev. Towanda NT Connelly and other bridge builders; weekly Monday Meditations; Reconciliation Ecology workshops; and safety training for faith communities.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNovember 6, 2025Arizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

Share Your Congregation’s Mutual Aid Resources with Arizona Faith Network

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter highlights ways people of faith are responding to community needs through mutual aid, reflection, and action. Congregations are invited to share their ministries in AFN’s new Faith & Mutual Aid Resource Guide, helping connect families across Arizona to food, shelter, and care.

The issue also includes details for the 2025 AFN Annual Gathering, United We Rise, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, honoring Rev. Towanda NT Connelly and other bridge builders; weekly Monday Meditations; Reconciliation Ecology workshops; and safety training for faith communities.

Read the full update and subscribe at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardOctober 30, 2025Arizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

Bridge Builders and Bold Conversations: Highlights from the AFN Newsletter

Stay connected with Arizona’s interfaith community through the Arizona Faith Network Newsletter, featuring the upcoming 2025 Annual Gathering – United We Rise on December 2, 2025, honoring bridge builders like Mary Permoda. Discover upcoming opportunities for learning and advocacy, from elder care training and faith education to climate action and community safety.

Read more and subscribe at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Global ChurchBrian FlatgardOctober 23, 2025Arizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

Learn, Connect, and Celebrate with Arizona Faith Network this Fall

Celebrate bridge-builders at the Arizona Faith Network 2025 Annual Gathering: United We Rise, happening Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the Baháʼí Faith Community Center in Scottsdale. This year’s event honors Billie K. Fidlin with AFN’s first-ever Legacy Award. Register to attend in-person or online, and explore AFN’s full lineup of fall events and interfaith opportunities — from meditation and justice trainings to faith education and environmental action — at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardOctober 15, 2025Arizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

Register Now: Celebrate Bridge Builders at the 2025 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering

Celebrate faith leaders who build bridges across Arizona at the 2025 AFN Annual Gathering – “United We Rise”, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the Baháʼí Faith Community Center in Scottsdale. Honoring Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr., this year’s event will unite faith communities for a morning of storytelling and celebration. Plus, explore AFN’s fall lineup of virtual and in-person gatherings and subscribe to the AFN newsletter for weekly updates: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

ELCA Denounces Deadly Synagogue Attacks in Manchester, England

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has issued a statement condemning the deadly attacks at a synagogue in Manchester, England, on Yom Kippur. The ELCA extends condolences to victims and their families and stands in solidarity with Jewish communities worldwide. Reaffirming its 1994 “Declaration to the Jewish Community,” the ELCA denounces anti-Semitism as “a contradiction and an affront to the Gospel” and calls all Christians to act as ambassadors of peace and justice. Read the full ELCA statement at ELCA.org.

ELCABrian FlatgardOctober 6, 2025Judaism, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

Be Part of AFN’s 2025 Gathering—Hybrid, Bilingual, Transformative

Registration is now open for the Arizona Faith Network’s 2025 Annual Gathering, themed United We Rise. Join faith leaders from across Arizona on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 9:00 AM–12:30 PM at the Baháʼí Faith Community Center in Scottsdale, or participate online. This bilingual (Spanish & English) event will feature keynote speaker Gen Kelsang Chenma, a Buddhist nun and teacher known for her warmth and practical wisdom. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Learn more and register—click here.

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