Feb. 28th– 6:30pm Healthcare– Affordable Care Act–
AFN will be exploring our Mission Focus on Economic Inequality through the topic of Healthcare. We will explore the history of Healthcare and will learn about what will be lost and at what cost if the Affordable Care Act is repealed. Come join us to hear from experts in the field, theologically reflect on accessibility to healthcare from our different faith traditions, hear stories from individuals who are most affected, and be called to action.
Temple Chai- 4645 E Marilyn Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Read MoreUnited Church of Christ Southwest Conference and member Congregations join Amicus Brief Opposing Anti-Muslim, Anti-Refugee Executive Order
Phoenix, AZ – On January 31, 2017, President Trump issued an executive order banning travel from seven Muslim-majority countries, sparking protests worldwide. In response, many faith-based organizations will file an Amicus Brief to the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and in other courts, to oppose the executive order.
Read MoreOn Thursday, February 23rdat 3pm ET/2pm CT/1pm MT/ 12pm PT the Faith Communities Task force of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention will ost a public webina on Faith.Hope.Life: The Role of Faith Communities in Suicide Prevention.
We ncourage you to support this webinar by attending and also sharing this information with your networks. Please feel free to send the description and registration link below across your listservs. Please also share the Facebook Event created for this webinar across your social media networks.
Read MoreDear President Trump and Members of Congress,
As religious leaders from a variety of backgrounds, we are called by our sacred texts and faith traditions to love our neighbor, accompany the vulnerable, and welcome the sojourner. War, conflict and persecution have forced people to leave their homes, creating more refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced people than at any other time in history. More than 65 million people are currently displaced – the largest number in recorded history.
Read MoreAs Christians and as leaders of Protestant, Anglican, and Roman Catholic churches in the State of New Mexico, we grieve the action of President Trump to temporarily halt refugee resettlement programs for 120 days and to ban Syrian refugees indefinitely. We cannot support an immigration policy based on the exclusion of persons from Muslim majority nations. While we acknowledge the need for national security, we do not support fear and anxiety as a foundation for immigration policy.
Read MoreIn 2016, United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries extended expert recovery assistance in 21 countries, including the United States, to people whose lives were turned upside down by wind and water, wildfires and lead, earthquakes and radiation, drought and hunger.
Read MoreWritten by Connie Larkman
Two days before the Presidential Inauguration, a group of Tucson-area faith leaders came together to affirm sanctuary, claiming their communities as places of radical welcome for all. The day after the new administration took office on Jan. 20, advocates from participating United Church of Christ congregations rallied with the Women’s March, to protect the rights and dignity of all Americans. Today, with President Trump’s executive order that calls for construction of a wall at the U.S-Mexico border and a crackdown on undocumented immigrants, The Good Shepherd UCC congregation remains committed to the effort to build a just world for all people.
Read MoreRight here in Arizona, the San Carlos Apache tribe has been fighting to protect sacred land against an extraction industry that will destroy land that is special for many reasons—sacred to the Apaches, fought for by environmentalists, and favored by rock climbers, birders, hikers and mountain bikers.
Please see the information on the 3rd annual March to Oak Flat, Feb. 16-19.
Read MoreAll across the Southwest Conference people marched in support of the Women's March on Washington by marching on their own capitol. Take a moment to view a few photos from around the conference of those who marched on January 21st. Click the link at the bottom to view supporting marches around the world.
Read MoreTake action to support peace in the Middle East..
Read MoreIMPORTANT: Social Justice stands in contrast to criminal justice. It’s the idea that people should work for the good of one another. Christians immediately think of the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor .. those who mourn … the meek … those who are persecuted.” Muslims think of Zakat, one of the Five Pillars that requires charity and assistance to the poor. Jews think of Tzedakag and chesed, the obligation to perform charity and deeds of kindness. Social justice can be summed up in the world-wide concept of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The Arizona legislature wants to ban this best of human impulses from all schools and universities.
Read MoreCheck out upcoming events from our partners in ministry with the Arizona Faith Network. If you aren't a subscriber thier latest newsletter can be downloaded or clikc the AFN logo to checkout what else is going on...
Read MoreThe Time is Now – Seven Ways to Jump-Start Your Advocacy in 2017
“The time is always right to do what is right.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
The words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoken decades ago, are as true today as they ever were. Moving into a new year, one that holds tremendous challenges and opportunities, your faithful advocacy is now more important than ever.
We are here to partner with you – to support you, struggle with you, celebrate with you and share your story as we work for justice and peace in 2017 and beyond.
Ready to get to it? Here are seven ideas to jump-start your advocacy in 2017:
Read MoreReport to Synod on Israel/Palestine Resolution
Letter from Jim Moos, Executive Minister, Wider Church Ministries,Co-Executive, Global Ministries
While we focused on Bethlehem and the story of Christ’s nativity over Christmas, I was struck by the activity related to Israel/Palestine in the news. The United Nations Security Council resolution on settlements and the major speech by Secretary of State Kerry both focused on the reality and impact of the occupation. At the same time, it was obvious that the efforts of the United Church of Christ to work toward peace with justice in the Middle East are not going unnoticed, both positively by those who are partners in the quest for justice, and critically by those who see the conflict through different lenses.
Read MoreWe Must Pray for Christian Unity – Together!
The Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity, which begins on January 18th, the Feast of St. Peter, and ends on January 25th, the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, invites the whole Christian community throughout the world to pray in communion with the prayer of Jesus: “that they all may be one” (John 17:21). As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to participate in the opportunities offered to promote understanding. As we pray with our fellow Christians, we renew our commitment to work for the unity Christ expects from his disciples. The theme for 2017 Week of Prayer is “Reconciliation”
Read MoreWEBINAR ANNOUNCEMENT
“Preventing Intimate Partner Violence in Veterans”
January 11, 2017 • 2:00-3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
This webinar will focus on the problem of intimate partner violence (IPV) in military populations. First, the speaker will discuss the etiology of IPV in Veterans, with a particular focus on how trauma may influence the ways in which we view and interpret our social world. This discussion will also focus on common risk factors for IPV, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, head injury, and substance abuse. Next, the discussion shifts to IPV intervention, with material on how to motivate Veterans to work on issues related to IPV and other violence, how to develop a positive therapeutic relationship, and how to build a cohesive group environment. Information regarding an example of an effective IPV program will be covered, as well as scientific evidence for the intervention.
Read MoreWith so many Central American Families arriving at the US/Mexico Border it is critical that Churches and communities of conscience step up and find ways to support and accompany Asylum families. The hope is that groups can begin to explore the possibilities and use this guide to help them think through the responsibilities and how they might move forward.
Read MoreThe #StrongerTogetherAZ Peace Vigil is a peaceful vigil that is the kick-off event for the Safety Pin Nation™ movement in Arizona . This Peace Vigil is a way for like-minded individuals to gather together in solidarity, sing songs of peace and healing and share plans of positive community-based action.
Read MoreFrom Joan Brown, Executive Director Interfaith Power & Light:
"Could you consider signing this IPL letter regarding proposed EPA nominee? It is important to get faith leaders and voices of faith weigh in. Please pass along to others, this is so important for the future of clean, water, land and air.
"As you probably heard, Trump nominated Oklahoma AG Scott Pruitt to lead EPA. He now needs to be confirmed by the Senate
Read MoreTake a moment to look over the year end newsletter from our friends at the Justice and Peace Action Network. Calls to Action, Events, and Resources are available to help your congregation join in the justice work and spread gods love to those in need.
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