Theological Dialogue Commission

Lisa Derrick
Chair

Bhikkhu Vasu Bandhu
Staff Liaison

Vision: The Vision of the Theological Dialogue Commission (TDC) of AFN is to be a catalyst and create safe spaces for interfaith theological dialogue with our partner faith communities and affiliates of the Arizona Faith Network and the greater community. The members of the TDC currently represent: Baha’i, Christianity across a multi-denominational spectrum, Islam, Judaism, Mormonism, Sufism, and Unitarian-Universalist faith traditions. The TDC engages in theological dialogue during our monthly meetings, exploring the theological underpinnings of the AFN yearly Focus Topic work, sponsoring introductions to various faiths at their places of worship (Faith 101 events), and Interfaith Dinner and Discussion events.

Mission: The mission of the Theological Dialogue Commission is to:

  • Foster relationships and engagement in interfaith concerns and issues among the members of the commission and their respective communities,

  • Provide opportunities for discourse with the faith communities of the AFN and society at large, and inspire action consistent with AFN’s common values.”

  • Engage in an outreach to students and young adults

  • Support the activities of AFN and its commissions.

  • Facilitate the work of an effective functioning commission

Community Teams:

  • Arizona Faith Talks is a Speaker Series and Program featuring events and speakers from renowned interfaith theologians who are actively transforming the world. Learn more about this work here.

  • Faith 101 offers educational events with an experiential twist, allowing participants to learn about different faith traditions. Learn more about this work here.

  • The Interfaith Dialogue Committee (IDC) fosters meaningful interfaith conversations across diverse faith traditions. With members representing diverse traditions, the committee creates safe spaces for dialogue, understanding, and collaboration. Through monthly meetings and events, the committee engages in discussions on faith, supports AFN’s mission, and promotes action rooted in shared values. Learn more about this work here.

  • AFN's Interfaith Youth and Young Adult Conversations (IYC) is designed to help prepare Arizona’s next generation to be key leaders in interfaith communities. Learn more about this work here.