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Arizona Faith Forum
There s a lot happening in Arizona, and we want to make sure you have one central place for real-time updates, bill tracking, resources, and action opportunities. That s why we re encouraging everyone to
check the Arizona Faith Forum daily!
Whether you re looking for advocacy updates, interfaith connections, or ways to take action, the
Faith Forum is your go-to resource.
In order to view and interact with the Forum content, you'll need to create a free member log in, so if the sign-up process isn't obvious when visiting the Forum,
here's
a link to a brief video with some tips. Once you have an active login for the Forum, there's also a useful "Spaces by Wix" mobile app for interacting with the Forum that's
available
here.
Visit today and stay informed: azfaithnetwork.us
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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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3rd Annual Connection to Nature
Saturday, February 22, 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm
Foothills Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
3951 W Happy Valley Rd, Glendale, AZ 85310
This free event is open to the public and features a variety of activities celebrating our shared commitment to caring for the earth. Enjoy crafts, games, animal encounters, enrichment presentations, delicious food, a raffle, and more! We're thrilled to welcome
several organizations (including AFN) offering special programming throughout the event. Don't miss this fun and engaging afternoon for all ages!
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The Arizona Legislature is considering two key bills:
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AFN suggests signing on to SUPPORT HB2191 - 'Yes in God's Backyard': Allows faith communities to use land for affordable housing. More
Info here.
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AFN suggests signing on to OPPOSE SB1164 - 'The Arizona ICE Act': Mandates local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws, straining resources and endangering communities.
Read
the bill.
Take Action with Request to Speak (RTS):
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Go to azleg.gov >
Legislative Information > Request to Speak
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Sign in and go to 'My Bill Positions'
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Enter the bill numbers, select your positions (SUPPORT HB2191 / OPPOSE SB1164), and click 'Add'
Need Help? Our partners at Lutheran
Advocacy Ministry of Arizona offer
RTS
training.
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Building in God's Backyard: Faith-Based Partnerships for Affordable Housing Development
Wednesday, February 19, 10:00 am MST via Zoom
Join us for an insightful discussion on leveraging faith-based partnerships to create affordable housing opportunities in our communities. This webinar will highlight the
recently
published toolkit from the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) developed in partnership with LISC. We ll explore real-world examples of successful faith-based
development initiatives to address the housing crisis and the toolkit's role in supporting these efforts.
Our panel will include Helen Dunlap, a distinguished community development advocate and co-author of the toolkit, who will provide an overview of the toolkit s key insights. Joining Helen will be Dave Kresta, an adjunct professor at Portland State University
and founder of Jesus on Main Street, and Rev. Dr. Jay R. Hartley, Regional Minister and President for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Arizona. Together, they will discuss how faith-based organizations can drive change through affordable housing
development, including a spotlight on Arizona's first "YIGBY" project, led by Desert Dove Christian Church in Tucson. Special guest Gabriel Jaramillo from Vitalyst Health Foundation will also share their perspective on navigating these innovative housing initiatives.
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Webinar: Religious Nationalisms in the United States
Thursday, February 20, 12:00 - 1:00 MST via Zoom
Presented by Religions for Peace USA
Please join Rev. Neal Christie as he talks about how to convene, educate, train, and mobilize faith communities in response to the rising threat of religious nationalisms in the United States. Live Spanish translation will be available on Zoom.
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11th Annual Chi chil Bi dagoteel Oak Flat March/Run
For over a decade, the Apache Stronghold has welcomed people of all spirituality and faith traditions to come pray at Chi'chil Bi dagoteel. To witness the power of Oak Flat is to be on a path of healing and hope for those yet to be born. To stop corporate control
of the land is to protect the sacred lifeways. And to be part of a prayerful movement that welcomes people is to resist the isolation that forces of oppression depend on.
The 2025 Oak Flat March/Run will take place from February 20-23 (full
details on Apache-Stronghold website).
Details:
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Thursday, Feb 20 - 4pm Holy Ground Blessing & Dinner @ Old San Carlos Monument. Run will follow after blessing.
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Friday, Feb 21- 8am March/Run will begin @ the New Skate Park (Sport Complex) and will end in Miami, AZ at the Shrine.
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Saturday, Feb 22 - 8am Run will begin @ the Shrine in Miami, AZ to Oak Flat.
If camping, please bring warm clothes, camping gear, chairs, and sanitation supplies. Meals will be provided. For more information contact: Vanessa Nosie (928) 215-1476 or Wendsler Nosie Sr. (928) 200-7762.
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Re-Entry Simulation: Through Our Lens
Saturday, February 22, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Church of the Palms UCC, King Hall
14808 North Boswell Boulevard, Sun City, AZ 85351
Ever think about how our re-entry non-system promotes return to prison? In this activity, you receive your "unique" life situation (finances, housing, work, transportation options, etc.) upon being released from prison. Then you have 4 chances to try to survive
and stay out of prison during the first 4 weeks after release. It is a fun and often frustrating game for us, but we all get to go home and back to work or our regular activities. Over the course of 2 hours, you will experience the struggles and challenges
of the recently released and hear the stories of formerly incarcerated individuals. You will leave with a new perspective on the life sentence we set up when we so easily other these children of God.
MORE
INFORMATION REGISTRATION
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2025 ISBA Interfaith Youth Iftar
Monday, February 24, 5:00 p.m.
Islamic Center of the Northeast Valley (ICNEV)
12125 E Via Linda, Scottsdale, AZ 85259
Join us as we celebrate the beginning of the upcoming month of Ramadan with an Interfaith Iftar Dinner, inviting teens of many faiths to come together in peace to learn about each other to build communities of mutual respect. This teen led program will include
games and Q&A from a panel of local community leaders.
This free event is open to all Muslim teenagers in 7th to 12th grade and teen members of interfaith partner organizations bringing youth delegations. Please limit 2 adults per partner organization. This event is for teens. Advance registration is required.
(Included are youth aged 12 - 18 years old and/or 7th through 12th graders as long as you are in either of those ranges it works)
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LWVAZ Legislative Week Lunch and Learn Virtual Sessions
February 24- 28, 12:00 - 1:30 pm MST via Zoom
The League of Women Voters of Arizona is excited to announce the launch of our annual Lunch & Learn Legislative Week sessions! Click on the link below for the full list and links to register for any or all of the five sessions.
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The coming week brings the following observances:
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Maha Shivaratri (Hinduism) - March 25/26
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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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