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Welcoming Pope Leo XIV
We join communities around the world in welcoming Pope Leo XIV, the first Pope born in the United States, as he begins his papacy. Pope Leo XIV brings a reputation for bridge-building, justice-centered leadership, and pastoral compassion—qualities much needed
in this moment of global challenge and opportunity.
At Arizona Faith Network, we celebrate this new chapter with hope. We look forward to continuing interfaith collaboration as Pope Leo XIV steps into this new leadership role. We hold him in prayer as he begins this journey.
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Heat Season Has Begun – Here's How You Can Help
☀️ As triple-digit temperatures return, Arizona Faith Network is gearing up to open our Heat Relief Sites across the Valley. These sites provide life-saving hydration, cooling, and care for our neighbors experiencing homelessness or heat vulnerability.
We need your help. From volunteering onsite to donating water, snacks, or sun protection gear, there are many ways to get involved.
💧 Learn more and sign up to volunteer today:
Together, we can make sure no one is left in the heat!
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AFN Monday Meditation
Mondays at noon MST via Zoom
Start your week with some guided meditation led by Bhikkhu Vasu Bandhu, AFN's Interfaith Manager, and guest leaders. Vasu Bandhu serves the Buddhist community as Bhikkhu (monk) in the Dhammapada Sangha (Zen Buddhism), assisting in the practice and teaching
of the principles, ceremonies and rituals.
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Faith and Science from an Islamic Perspective
Saturday, June 7, 12:00 pm MST via Zoom
Join us for an inspiring online event exploring the relationship between faith and science through the lens of Islamic thought. Kashif Naser will guide us through the rich tradition of inquiry, reason, and spiritual reflection within Islam, highlighting how
scientific discovery and religious belief are not at odds, but deeply interconnected. We will also learn briefly about the holiday of Eid al-Adha.
Whether you're a person of faith, a science enthusiast, or simply curious, this is a space for open conversation, learning, and connection. This program is part of our Faith 101 series.
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Bolivian Young Quakers' Witness Meets Climate Change in the Andes
Wednesday, June 11, 5:00 pm MST via Zoom
Emma Condori is the Director and Co-founder of the Friends International Bilingual Center in La Paz, Bolivia. In her presentation, she will highlight how Young Quakers in Bolivia are responding to the impacts of climate change. Young Quakers have taken a leading
role in raising awareness about the devastating effects of the climate crisis in the Andes, particularly on indigenous communities facing water scarcity, crop failures, and the drying up of rivers due to reduced snowfall and snowmelt.
In partnership with Friendly Water for the World, Emma and the young Friends have trained local youth to build Biosand Water Filters, empowering communities to purify their limited water supply. Since 2023, they have also been distributing potatoes to address
hunger and provide seed potatoes for future planting. Emma will share stories and insights from this inspiring, youth-led service work carried out by Bolivian Quakers.
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Victory for Sacred Land Protection!
We are overjoyed to share that on Friday, May 9, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration's effort to transfer sacred Apache land at Oak Flat to a foreign mining giant. This ruling is a powerful moment of justice for the
Western Apache and all who have fought tirelessly to protect Oak Flat—a place of prayer, ceremony, and cultural survival.
Arizona Faith Network celebrates this decision alongside our Indigenous partners, faith leaders, and advocacy allies.
The fight is not over, but this is a crucial win. Let us continue to stand together for sacred land, religious freedom, and environmental justice.
Read more: Federal
judge temporarily halts land swap at Oak Flat
What You Can Do Next:
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Pray for the U.S. Supreme Court to approach the Oak Flat case with open hearts and a commitment to justice.
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Spread awareness about Oak Flat through presentations, videos, and conversations in your community.
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Follow Apache
Stronghold on social media for updates on the court case and ways to show support.
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Write letters to:
President Donald Trump
Senators Bernie Sanders, Mark Kelly, and Ruben Gallego
Your Arizona Congressional Representatives
Urge them to protect Oak Flat and uphold Indigenous religious freedom.
Together, let’s keep the sacred.
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American Democracy Summit
May 14 - 16
Gila River Resort - Wild Horse Pass
5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226
American
Democracy Summit is the premier nonpartisan event uniting top minds from across the political spectrum to tackle America’s biggest political challenges—gerrymandering, money in politics, election security, and more. The recent threats to
our democracy show no signs of slowing down, this is a unique opportunity to collaborate with others on how best to respond. AFN's Executive Director Rev. Katie Sexton will facilitate one of the panels.
For those interested in attending, Voter
Choice Arizona is offering a special discount code to allow you to attend for only $50. Use code LOCAL-AZ during registration checkout. It can only be used on the "Ticket without org assistance" ticket type to get the discount applied.
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Justice Journey: 5K Fun Run and 1 Mile Family Walk for Peace and Safety
Sunday, May 18
5K starts at 8:00 am, 1 mile starts at 9:00 am
Kiwanis Park
Mill Ave and All America Way, Tempe, AZ 85283
Support the Emerging Youth Movement! This Restorative Justice Program works in unity with the victim of a crime and the person charged to restore justice and nourish healthy families and communities. Further info and event registration are at the link below.
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AZIPL Film Screening: Common Ground
Sunday, May 18, 2:00 - 4:30 pm
First Christian Church of Tucson
740 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719
From the makers of Kiss the Ground comes the award winning film
Common
Ground. Find out how regenerative farming & ranching can help heal the earth, the climate, and each other. You’ll understand why film reviewers from Tribeca to SXSW have featured this film. Come meet the farmers & ranchers who are incorporating
these principles here in the desert!
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Meeting the Moment: A Conversation Among Faith and Interfaith Actors
Wednesday, May 28, 11:00 am MST via Zoom
As a result of changes in immigration and asylum policies, many faith-based
communities are responding with renewed commitment to human dignity, protection, and solidarity. United Religions Initiative - North America, in partnership with San Francisco Interfaith Center, will host a leadership discussion on the topic of Sanctuary. We
invite you to join us to learn how interfaith leaders are navigating this moment by offering support, advocacy, and sanctuary in various forms. This conversation highlights the vital role of faith communities in fostering care, connection, and belonging.
Panelists include:
· Michael Pappas - San Francisco Interfaith Council President
· Rev. Rob Keithan - All Souls UU
· Vasu Bandu - Arizona Faith Network (URI CC)
· Rabbi Sarah Bassin - HIAS
Moderator - Gard Jameson - Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada (URI CC)
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Roots of Injustice, Seeds of Change: Toward Right Relationship with Native People
Saturday, May 31, 1:00 - 3:00 pm MST online
In this 2-hour participatory program, we experience the history of the colonization of Turtle Island, the land that is now known as the United States. The story is told through the words of Indigenous leaders, European/American leaders, and Western historians.
We engage with this history through experiential exercises and small group discussions. And we are invited to consider how we can build relationships with Indigenous peoples based on truth, respect, justice, and our shared humanity. Facilitated by TRR’s Native
and non-Native teams. Appropriate for high school students and adults.
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Global Heat Day: Local Solutions to Protect Communities
Monday, June 2, 12:00 pm MST via Zoom
As we head into the summer, extreme heat is already affecting our communities. Join us on June 2, Global Heat Action Day, for a webinar on Local Solutions to Protect Communities. co-hosted by APHA (American Public Health Association) and ecoAmerica. AFN Executive
Director Rev. Katie Sexton will be one of the panel of speakers. All are welcome to this virtual event.
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Free Prostate Cancer Screening
Saturday, June 14, 8:00 am - noon
Dr. Kamal Nagpal MD
Arizona Urology Specialists
2902 W. Agua Fria Fwy, Suite 1000
Phoenix, AZ 8502
Arizona Urology Specialists and Southwest Prostate Cancer Foundation are sponsoring a FREE PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING. The services provided are Prostate Specific Antigen (“PSA”) or blood test and a Digital Rectal Exam (“DRE”). Both exams are VITAL to best determine
your prostate health.
Please call or e-mail to reserve an appointment. Call 602-547-3806 or e-mail at swprostatecancer@aol.com.
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Position: Outreach Intern
CAIR Arizona is looking for a passionate, driven Outreach Intern to help us connect with and serve our community. If you’re ready to make an impact, build relationships, and grow your skills in advocacy and organizing, apply today!
Responsibilities:
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Assist in planning and executing community outreach events and educational workshops.
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Conduct outreach to local organizations, mosques, and student groups to build strategic partnerships.
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Represent CAIR-AZ at community events, faith centers, and civic engagement initiatives..
Requirements:
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Second-year college student or higher
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Strong writing and communication skills
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Excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for community engagement
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Commitment to civil rights, social justice, and CAIR-AZ's mission
This is a paid internship, send your resume to: info@az.cair.com
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The coming week (today through next Tuesday) brings the following observances:
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Declaration of the Báb (Baháʼí) - May 22-23
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Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to AFN today! Your partnership makes our Arizona community thrive.
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