This Week with Arizona Faith Network: Meditation, Democracy, Unity, and MLK Events Across Arizona
The latest newsletter from Arizona Faith Network (AFN) is now available, offering a full slate of opportunities to pray, learn, and engage faithfully in public life across Arizona. The AFN email newsletter is typically sent each Wednesday morning and includes announcements, reminders, and selected events from AFN partners throughout the state. We encourage leaders and congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod to read and share it widely.
Weekly and Upcoming AFN Events
AFN Monday Meditation
Mondays at noon MST via Zoom
Begin the week grounded in prayer with meditation led by Vasu Bandhu, AFN’s Interfaith Manager, and guests. This weekly practice offers space for stillness, reflection, and renewal in the midst of busy lives.
RSVP required for Zoom information.
Democracy & Voting Rights
Thursday, January 15, 6:00–7:00 pm MST (online)
Hosted by Arizona Faith Network with the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club, this informational session will explore current Arizona legislation related to democracy and voting rights and how it could affect how we vote. The presentation is designed to help participants prepare for Environmental Day at the Capitol, though all are welcome.
RSVP required for the event link.
Faith and Science from an Islamic Perspective, Part 3
Saturday, January 17, 1:00 pm MST via Zoom
Kashif Naser continues this Faith 101 series by exploring the relationship between faith and science through Islamic thought. The session highlights how inquiry, reason, and spiritual reflection work together rather than in opposition, offering rich interfaith learning for people of faith, science enthusiasts, and the curious alike.
RSVP required for Zoom information.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Statewide Ecumenical Prayer Service
Thursday, January 22, 6:30 pm
Tanner Chapel AME Church
20 S 8th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Christians from across Arizona are invited to gather for the 2026 Statewide Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Hosted by The Rev. Dr. Benjamin N. Thomas, Sr. and the congregation of Historic Tanner Chapel AME Church, this service is part of the global Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Worship materials prepared by the Armenian Apostolic Church will be used worldwide. This gathering is a visible witness to Christ’s reconciling love and our shared calling to unity.
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On Monday, January 19, communities across Arizona will honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.. The AFN newsletter links to a wide range of MLK Day events, marches, worship services, and community celebrations in Flagstaff, Tucson, the greater Phoenix area, and beyond. These observances invite faithful reflection and public witness rooted in justice, dignity, and beloved community.
Partner Event Highlight
Lecture with Continental Breakfast and Book Signing
Thursday, February 5, 8:30–10:00 am
North Scottsdale (location shared upon RSVP)
David M. Elcott, PhD—Senior Fellow at the **Columbia University Center for Justice—will lead a conversation on the role of religion in sustaining democratic values amid polarization and identity politics. His book, Faith, Nationalism, and the Future of Liberal Democracy, will be available for purchase. This event is sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix.
RSVP via email to rabbi.snyder@jcrcphoenix.org.
Interfaith Observance
The coming week also includes Laylat al-Isra’ wal-Mi‘raj (Islam) on January 16, reminding us of the importance of honoring and learning from the sacred rhythms of our neighbors’ faith traditions.
👉 Read the full Arizona Faith Network newsletter, share it with a friend, or subscribe here:
https://www.arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter
